One Bird Dies Of Unknown Causes After Discovery, Officials Say
SAN YSIDRO, Calif. -- A man is stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border after allegedly attempting to smuggle rare parrots across the U.S.-Mexico border, officials said.
Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro border station discovered 10 live Amazon Parrots in a car being driving by a 50-year-old Bonita man Tuesday evening.
Officers said the man entered the port for inspection at 7:30 p.m. driving a 1994 Chevrolet truck. The birds were found hidden in a duffel bag in the vehicle, officials said.



“The importation of animals into the United States is closely regulated for public health reasons,” said Adele Fasano, director of Customs and Border Patrol field operations in San Diego.

Fasano said birds are of "particular interest" due to concerns about various diseases that could threaten the American poultry industry.

The birds were immediately placed into quarantine and transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s veterinary services staff. But one of the birds died of unknown causes. Tests are being performed to determine a cause of death.

The driver was turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents for further enforcement action

Wild Birds Seized At Border - Local News Story - KNSD | San Diego <<< for more pictures.

Graehstone, nice job keeping us informed.

PC members, please contact the San Diego field office to thank them for securing our borders AND for this particular rescue of abused birds. I'm sure the staff there would appreciate some positive reinforcement considering the tremendous challenges they have. It'll also remind them that not only is it a health risk to bring birds into the country but also inhumane.

I didn't see an email address on the site.


Field Operations Office Information
Location Address : 610 W. Ash St
Suite 1200
San Diego , CA 92101
Mailing Address : Same As Above
General Phone : (619) 652-9966 Ext: 100
General Fax : (619) 557-5394
Operational Hours : 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ( Pacific )
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)