US border egg seizures surpass fentanyl due to shortages

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a significant rise in the seizure of eggs at the border, exceeding the number of fentanyl seizures. This increase is linked to a nationwide poultry shortage due to an avian flu outbreak. In the current fiscal year, CBP has seized 5,572 egg products. This number is lower than the previous fiscal year when they confiscated over 15,900 eggs. In comparison, fentanyl seizures in fiscal year 2025 totalled 413. This is notably less than the amounts seized in previous years. The San Diego CBP office indicated a 158% rise in egg interceptions since fiscal year 2024. Authorities have warned travelers about the risks of fines for bringing prohibited agricultural items, especially raw eggs from Mexico. They stress the need to declare these items to protect the agricultural industry. The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has severely impacted local bird populations, driving up egg and poultry prices. Travelers are reminded that they must declare all agricultural items, or they risk fines of up to $10,000. Importing fresh eggs, raw chicken, and live birds from Mexico is banned. Despite easing inflation, egg prices continue to climb. In February, a dozen large grade A eggs averaged $5.90, up from $4.95 in January. In response to the shortage, the US is looking to import eggs from Europe, including Denmark.