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Airport K-9 sniffs out undeclared trees, stops pests
8 Apr
Summary
- K-9 Baylee detected undeclared trees in two separate incidents.
- One seized tree was suspected to be a fruit tree from Moldova.
- The CBP emphasized preventing pests like plum pox virus.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K-9 unit has successfully intercepted undeclared trees on two occasions at Detroit Metro Airport. K-9 Baylee, equipped with a special vest, alerted agriculture specialists to suspicious items within passenger luggage.
On March 3, Baylee detected a suspected fruit tree from Moldova. CBP noted that such trees can harbor exotic plant pests and pathogens, warning travelers to avoid bringing them into the U.S.
Previously, on February 20, Baylee also identified undeclared plum trees arriving from Albania. CBP emphasized the importance of preventing the reintroduction of diseases like the plum pox virus, which significantly affects stone fruits and has recently been eradicated from the U.S.
Travelers are reminded that a list of prohibited and restricted agricultural items is available on the CBP website. Previous interceptions at Detroit Metro have included medflies, caper fruit fly larvae, and invasive beetle remains.
