Footprints lead Border Patrol to crate of cockfighting birds

ESCOBARES — The trail led agents to a crate filled with roosters Saturday evening.

U.S. Border Patrol agents working Saturday near the Rio Grande found a trail of fresh footprints near Escobares, according to an agency statement. The trail led agents to a crate full of 20 live roosters likely to be used for cockfighting.

Agents seized the birds and transported them to the Rio Grande City port of entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized control of the crate. They now are quarantined with U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service officials.

Border Patrol officials said they suspect the roosters were destined for illegal gambling at cockfights, or for breeeding. Agents said the birds can pose a public health threat, as they can carry diseases that may threaten other poultry.

"The Border Patrol's mission is to secure our nation's borders from all threats," Chief Patrol Agent Ronald Vitello said in a statement.