More eggs are being confiscated at the U.S.-Mexico border amid the bird flu outbreak

The rising cost of eggs in the U.S., driven by a bird flu outbreak affecting chicken populations, has led to an increase in individuals trying to smuggle eggs across the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 29% rise in confiscated eggs at ports of entry. Despite common practices of crossing the border for groceries, travelers are warned that raw eggs are prohibited from entry due to disease concerns. The CBP emphasizes the importance of declaring agricultural items to avoid fines.

"It's common practice to get some groceries or medication and cross the border," Joaquin Luken, executive director of the Smart Border Coalition, told NBC San Diego.

"Importation of raw/fresh eggs from Mexico into [the] United States is generally prohibited due to concerns about diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle disease," according to the statement from the CBP.

Read at Los Angeles Times