This year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is looking to create a new awareness about the dangers of pesticides and diseases. Last month, that federal agency launched a public awareness campaign with the objective of deterring international travelers from transporting the bird flu into the U.S. CBP will be displaying two public service announcement posters on bird smuggling at more than 320 U.S. ports of entry, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The two posters read Bird Flu-What You Need to Know and Don’t Smuggle Me: I could be sick. Animals such as birds are particularly prone to carrying diseases that could be detrimental.

“Some of these organisms are highly contagious animal diseases that could cause severe economic damage to the livestock industry and losses in production, which would mean increased costs for meat and diary products,” says Jeffrey Grode, executive director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Programs and Liaison office. “Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. food crops and livestock.”

According to the World Health Organization, 10 countries have been affected by the bird flu since 2003. There have been 261 laboratory-confirmed cases of which 157 have resulted in deaths. Vietnam alone, reported 61 cases of the virus, the highest number of cases in 2005 – 19 of those cases resulted in death.

More recently, during the last couple of years, the avian influenza A, also known as H5N1, has made headlines all over the world.

To date no cases of this disease, popularly known as the bird flu, have been reported in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, however, is not taking any chances.

If these animals are smuggled into the country without undergoing inspection or quarantine they can increase the chance of deadly avian diseases such as avian influenza, exotic Newcastle disease and parrot fever infecting the U.S. bird population. Ultimately, such permeation could spread into the human population and to other animals.

Fortunately in Houston, airport authorities are certain an outbreak of the bird flu is very unlikely.

“Our cargo one-stop-shop inspects all cargo coming into the country via Bush Intercontinental Airport to ensure that it is free of any pesticides or diseases that could potentially be harmful to the nation’s agriculture or livestock,” said Diego Parra, manager of cargo operations for the Houston Airport System. “Even the slightest indication of a potential threat is reason enough for us to take action.”

CBP says that international travelers can help protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests, as well as diseases, by declaring all items they are carrying into the country for inspection.

Aside from smuggled birds, restricted items include meat, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials.

CPB will also be taking other actions including a civil penalty increase of $300 for first-time offenders who fail to declare any agricultural items at a U.S. port of entry. .

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