The Department of Agriculture in the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday confiscated and destroyed nearly 25,000 eggs illegally imported from the Dominican Republic.
Quarantine officers discovered the contraband – totalling 24,840 eggs – hidden at the back of a shipping container during a routine inspection of imported goods on February 27.
Officials immediately seized and destroyed the entire shipment in accordance with protocols established under the Animal Health Ordinance 2024.
The importer, whose identity has not been released, has been charged with violating importation laws and could face substantial fines.
“The Department of Agriculture has been on high alert since 2022 to prevent the entry of this disease into the TCI to protect animal health, the health of our endemic birds, and public health,” they shared in a press statement.
The seizure comes amid heightened concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has been spreading throughout the Americas. The disease, which can devastate poultry populations, was recently confirmed in nearby Puerto Rico and poses a zoonotic threat – meaning it can also infect humans.
Health officials warn that the Dominican Republic has not declared itself HPAI-free, making it a high-risk origin for animal products. “Furthermore, the Dominican Republic is known to have other notifiable diseases of concern, such as African Swine Fever, which affects pigs. As a result, all pork products, including sausages, are strictly prohibited from importation into TCI,” the Department added.
The Department of Agriculture reminds all importers and travellers that all animal products from the Dominican Republic remain strictly prohibited because “at this time, a Risk Assessment has not been conducted for imports from the Dominican Republic.”
Importers are urged to seek prior approval before bringing any live animals or animal products into the Turks and Caicos Islands. Those with questions about importation requirements can contact the Department of Agriculture directly.
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