Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Port of San Luis found two living parrots inside of an Elmo doll being brought across the border July 1.

Officers referred a California couple for an intensive agriculture inspection after they attempted to enter the United States from Mexico. During the inspection, a CBP agriculture specialist first located a bag of mangos with seeds, which are prohibited.

Another agriculture specialist then asked to inspect one of the passenger’s Elmo doll. An x-ray of the doll indicated an anomaly was present inside it, and the specialists cut it open, revealing the two parrots.

By law, all birds imported into the United States from all countries except Canada -- as distinguished from poultry or unaccompanied birds -- must be quarantined for 30 days at a USDA bird quarantine facility. The importer is responsible for making necessary quarantine arrangements, as well as obtaining health certificates in the country of origin.

Birds, including pet birds, may also be subject to U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Services regulations.

Pet birds are regulated since they can carry viral and bacterial diseases of concern including Avian Influenza, Exotic Newcastle Disease and Psittacosis, CBP officials said.

The prohibited birds and fruit were seized under the Animal Health Protection Act and the Plant Protection Act. The couple was fined $300, which they agreed to pay via mail, and were released without further incident.

The seized birds were placed in a quarantine isolation crate and transferred to a USDA-Veterinary Services bird holding facility. The seized mangos were destroyed on site in accordance with United States Department of Agriculture approved destruction methods.

CBP did not respond to a request for further comment Thursday after a press release was distributed to local media about the incident. No other details were immediately available.


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