K9 lauded for sniffing out potentially dangerous mummified monkeys in Logan luggage
"The potential dangers posed by bringing bushmeat into the United States are real. Bushmeat can carry germs that can cause illness, including the Ebola virus."
A K9 at U.S. Customs and Border Protection is being praised for preventing dangerous remains from entering the country.
Mummified monkeys were found inside luggage at Boston Logan International Airport last month, according to a statement from the agency released this week.
Because of the dog’s discovery, meat that could potentially carry ebola or another harmful virus was prevented from entering the country, according to CBS Boston.
Raw or minimally processed meat from wild animals in some areas of the world, including Africa, is referred to as “bushmeat,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Bushmeat comes from a variety of wild animals, including bats, monkeys, rats, and antelope, and may pose a communicable disease risk, according to officials. These types of meats are not allowed entry into the United States.
On Jan. 8, K9 Buddey indicated that the bag of a passenger who had just arrived from Paris on Delta Airlines was suspicious, according to officials.
This passenger was returning to the U.S. after visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the statement.
The suitcase owner told authorities there were only dehydrated fish in the luggage, which an X-ray seemed to corroborate, according to officials.
However, authorities said inspectors found four dead and dehydrated monkey bodies.
The bodies were wrapped in a blanket inside of a basket inside of another box, which was discovered during a physical examination of the luggage, according to Boston 25 News.
These mummified remains were turned over to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC told Delta Airlines to either destroy the bags or send them back to France.
“The potential dangers posed by bringing bushmeat into the United States are real. Bushmeat can carry germs that can cause illness, including the ebola virus. The work of CBP’s K9 unit and Agricultural Specialist were vital in preventing this potential danger from entering the U.S.,” said Julio Caravia, the area port director for Boston.
The identity of the person whose luggage contained the remains was not released. Anyone who tries to bring bushmeat into the country can face a $250,000 fine, according to CBS Boston.
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