A Nigerian man was questioned at Miami International Airport after an inspection of his bag revealed he was carrying dead birds.

The man, whose name was not released, told U.S. Customs officers he planned to use the remains for religious purposes.

"This is not something that's uncommon", "It happens across the country'' said Zachary Mann, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The man arrived on an Alitalia flight from Milan, Italy, Mann said.

A member of the "Beagle Brigade" - a squad of dogs trained to sniff airport luggage entering the U.S. - alerted officials to the passenger's bag.

"When officers opened the bag, they found some type of concoction that appeared to have bird remains in it", Mann said.

The Centers for Disease Control was immediately notified. "At this point, there's no reason to be alarmed", Mann said.

The man will not face any charges. He left the airport empty-handed.

As for the dead birds? they were quarantined and will be incinerated.

Reference:

Miami Herald