Unsolicited seed packages with mystery seeds sent to U.S. residents continue to pose concerns, the Barton County Conservation District reports. Possible threats include the introduction of noxious weeds, bacteria, fungal and viral vectors that could affect plant health.

A packet recently received by a Great Bend resident is pictured here, with personally identifiable information blacked out. Note, the return address is fake.

“The recipient was wise to reach out to us and bring the seed here without opening it,” a Barton County Conservation District official noted. “We contacted the State Plant Health Director and APHIS representative, who provided us with disposal instructions. The seed has been properly disposed of. If you receive unsolicited seed, do not open the package! The DHS issued an Intelligence Note warning of the dangers that these can pose.”