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PROSPECTS

Working in biosecurity

Introduced pests and diseases are a threat to plants, crops, wildlife and, occasionally, human health. But don’t panic. In the UK, Hannah Magee works with a nationwide team of inspectors to defend our borders from uninvited plant hitchhikers

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Biosecurity refers to a set of precautions that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. This is essential to protect our native organisms and the ecosystems they support. As a plant health and seed inspector, I inspect plants, seeds and plant products. My job is to spot any pests or diseases before they spread into the wider environment, and to take measures to contain and eradicate any pests I find.

But first, what are inspectors looking for? Quarantine organisms are our biggest concern. These are pests or diseases that are not established in the UK but could cause significant damage to our crops, wider ecosystem, or affect our export trade if given the opportunity.

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