Border statistics indicate that eggs are intercepted more often than morphine at US borders, which coincides with the country’s national chicken shortages as a result of the outbreak of bird flu.
In contrast to the 15, 955 interceptions in the fiscal year 2024 and the 16 541 in the fiscal year 2023, US Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) data indicates, there were 5, 572 egg product seizures in the current fiscal year. For comparison, according to USA Today, fentanyl spasms totaled 413 in the fiscal year 2025, or 6,184 pounds, while 116 in the fiscal year 2024 totaled 1,889 in the same amount.
Since fiscal year 2024, the San Diego CBP company has reported a 158 percent increase in chicken interceptions. They urged travelers to be aware of possible fines for bringing fresh eggs from Mexico, among others, because of the risk of infectious diseases. Sidney Aki, CBP chairman of field operations in San Diego, stated in a media release that “it is crucial that we keep our traveling people informed to prevent our agrarian industry while continuing to promote genuine trade and travel.
A severe outbreak of avian influenza ( another name for bird flu ) has decimated home bird populations and afflicted egg and poultry charges, according to agricultural leaders.
Travelers are required to report agricultural items to CBP officers and specialists, or they face fines of up to$ 10,000. It is forbidden to import life birds, raw chicken, and raw eggs from Mexico. Declare all fruits, vegetables, flowers, cut flowers, foods materials, and life creatures.
Chicken prices keep rising despite the ease of inflation. A dozen large grade A eggs were sold for$ 5.90 in February, an increase from$ 4.95 in January and$ 4.14 in December.
According to the Swedish chicken connection via Reuters, the US has been seeking chicken imports from Denmark and other European countries as a result of the lack. Despite President Trump’s pledge to lower prices, February saw a 59 % increase year over year.
