CBP Reminds Public 'Cascarones' Prohibited from Entry into U.S.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Laredo, Texas - As the Easter holiday approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is advising the traveling public along the U.S.-Mexico border that cascarones (confetti-filled egg shells) are prohibited from entry to the U.S. and violations can trigger significant penalties. Cascarones are a component of the Easter celebration for many families.

Penalties for personal importations of undeclared cascarones, depending on the severity of the violation, can run as high as $1,000 and up to more than $50,000 for commercial importations of cascarones.

The reason cascarones are prohibited from entry into the U.S. is to prevent further spread of Exotic Newcastle Disease, a highly contagious, fatal viral disease that affects every species of bird, attacking respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. Exotic Newcastle Disease is so virulent that many birds die without having developed any clinical signs. This disease can infect and cause death even in vaccinated poultry. Mortality is up to 90 percent of exposed birds.