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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Some great advice in the August issue of @yachtingworld.com.web.brid.gy about how to humanely keep #rodents off your #boat. Not only useful for avoiding damage to your belongings or vessel but also to prevent harm to #island dwelling animals such as #seabirds www.yachtingmonthly.com/top-story/ho...

yachtingmonthly.com

How to humanely keep rodents off your boat

What are the most effective humane methods of keeping rodents off your boat? Chris Taylor explores the options. Read on to learn more.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Great for @jncc.bsky.social to visit the @nationaltrust.org.uk #Farnes team to see #seabird #island biosecurity measures in action. This will help guide the development of a UK #biosecurity database & app which will allow us to see more clearly what is being done & where further work is needed.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Thanks to wonderful volunteers like these, carrying out essential #biosecurity surveillance on #seabird islands to protect them from invasive predators. Biosecurity needs to continue forever, even on #islands where eradications have been carried out such as #Rathlin. www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaNq...

youtube.com

Day in the life of a volunteer couple helping to save Rathlin Island's seabirds | RSPB

YouTube video by RSPB

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Exciting to see what happens with #seabird numbers in the future, following all the hard work carried out by the community & #eradication teams. #Biosecurity helps protect against the need for future eradications & will be essential to keep #Rathlin #wildlife safe www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE7w...

youtube.com

How RSPB Northern Ireland is working to save Rathlin's seabirds | RSPB

YouTube video by RSPB

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We have some clever remote download AI thermal imaging cameras from New Zealand in our #seabird #island #biosecurity toolkit now. This means less time is spent by conservationists looking at rabbits bouncing around islands & more time is focused on investigating images the AI doesn't identify!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The lefthand image had us all fooled that an unwelcome furry rodent had reached a seabird #island until we saw the righthand image of a mallard duckling! #Biosecurity involves everybody being vigilant for suspicious signs or sightings. Trail cameras are a helpful tool for keeping our #seabirds safe.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Fantastic to hear that some species on #RSPB #Coquet, such as Roseate Tern & Atlantic #Puffin have been breeding in greater numbers this year. These species nest here because the #island is free from invasive predators, #biosecurity measures help keep it this way www.birdguides.com/news/roseate...

birdguides.com

Roseate Terns reach 50-year high on Coquet Island

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony is bouncing back after bird flu, with 156 breeding pairs noted in 2026.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Gosh what a #biosecurity nightmare!!! Cats have caused the extirpation & extinction of many species on #islands around the world. Luckily they don't like water, but ships cats have been used for centuries as rodent control - not normally this many though! www.sacbee.com/news/article...

sacbee.com

A ghost ship with a crew of cats? Empty boat near Tacoma beach full of mews

The Tacoma Police Department estimates over 30 cats were free-roaming on board a deserted watercraft Thursday - with no sign of the owner.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Last week, we travelled to Auskerry to service our rodent monitoring stations. Auskerry is a rat and mouse free island, which makes it perfect for breeding seabirds to thrive on. After replacing our wax chew blocks to find none of them had any chew marks, we can be sure that this is still the case!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Biosecurity is business as usual for @skomerisland.bsky.social @wtsww.bsky.social. They, like so many other islands, work tirelessly to protect & monitor seabirds while allowing us all to enjoy them. We've provided seabird islands in Wales with extra surveillance kit to support their brilliant work.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Puffins are returning out to sea where they will spend the next 8 months. But we will continue biosecurity checks and surveillance to ensure that their islands stay rat-free for them to return to next year, and for this years chicks to breed on safely too when they return in around 4 years time.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Biosecurity Beer Mats! We've put our biosecurity checklist on beer mats and distributed them amongst pubs and hotels surrounding seabird island embarkation points for visitors to seabird islands to swot up on biosecurity before heading out, have you seen one out in the wild yet? #NationalMarineWeek

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Burrow & crevice nesting #seabirds mainly nest on #islands free of invasive predators, #biosecurity protects them. Some, like this #pufflings parents still survive on mainland coastal cliffs by hiding in inaccessible sections where predators such as rats can't reach them & eat their eggs or chicks.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Projected #climatechange effects on #seabird abundance make #conservation action essential to mitigate impacts by securing safe breeding & feeding areas, restoring food supplies & reducing adult mortality. These goals can be achieved through investment in seabird action plans including #biosecurity

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Constantly surprised by the stories we hear...last week #Lundy had a dead hedgehog wash up, 11miles from the mainland! Hedgehogs aren't a fan of swimming so who knows how it got there! Read about why we love hedgehogs on the mainland but not on our #islands: biosecurityforlife.org.uk/blog/2020-04...

biosecurityforlife.org.uk

European Hedgehog

In light of the hedgehog’s mainland declines, it may seem a little surprising that they are considered an invasive species on the UK’s offshore islands. In fact, hedgehogs have been found to survive a...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Fantastic to celebrate 20yrs of #Lundy being rat free last month. Manx Shearwater no's have increased 7500%, there are lots of fluffy chicks being monitored now. #Biosecurity is essential for continued success - e.g. checking #island supplies before loading & having rodenticide onboard MS Oldenburg

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Fantastic to see #island restoration & #biosecurity knowledge sharing on Isles of Scilly with @rspb.bsky.social, www.ulster.ac.uk/cmap & causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk joining Isles of #Scilly @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social for community workshops about: www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk/our-projects...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Thanks to #PaddleCymru & @penrhynbirder.bsky.social for including links to our resources biosecurityforlife.org.uk/admin/resour... for kayakers in this great article which you can read online here: online.fliphtml5.com/mtwnw/Ceufad.... Happy paddling & #seabird spotting this summer!

biosecurityforlife.org.uk

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

One pregnant rat can produce a colony of over 300 in just 8 months and an adult rat eats about 30g a day - Puffin chicks weigh about 40g when they hatch and adult Storm Petrels weigh a maximum of 30g!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

At this time of year seabird chicks should be safe in their rat-free island nests. But some islands have had serious incursions this year and we have witnessed seabirds being killed by rats on islands which were rat-free this time last year. Use our biosecurity checklist to help protect seabirds.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

@rspbcymru calls on our new @WelshGovernment for urgent action, including embedding robust biosecurity measures into relevant statutory organisations to protect the future of Wales’ internationally important seabirds. If you haven't already seen it: www.rspb.org.uk/wales/news/w...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Today is #WorldSeabirdDay, marking the day the Great Auk was last seen in 1844. Let's ensure no other #seabirds go #extinct by ensuring they have safe spaces to breed & feed. Everyone can help by checking bags & boats before visiting #islands & remaining vigilant for #invasive predators like rats.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #QuietReflections, maybe this #Puffin is reflecting on how wonderful it is that people care about #seabirds having safe spaces to breed, carrying out quick #biosecurity checks of bags & boats before visiting our incredible #islands - thanks all! RSPB Images: Andy Hay

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

It's that time of year already when the #seabird cliff ledges start to get quieter with chicks fledging into the big wide world. Thanks to #biosecurity measures lots of our #islands continue to provide spaces free from invasive predators where seabirds can safely rear their young - a #happy sight!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Find out more about what life is like managing an #island reserve from the #Coquet Site Manager below. The role is varied with habitat & volunteer management, species monitoring, & #Biosecurity surveillance & preventative measures just some of the tasks involved! www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

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Reposted by Biosecurity for LIFE

RSPB Scotland @rspbscotland.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Invasive non-native species are one of the major drivers of nature loss globally – and a significant pressure on Scotland’s wildlife ⚠️ We’re involved in projects and partnerships across Scotland to prevent, reduce or remove the threat to ensure our amazing species and habitats are protected 💪

A volunteer removing Tree Mallow on seabird island in the Forth. Text reads Working with the Scottish Seabird Centre and volunteers through SOS Puffin, we remove Tree Mallow from important seabird islands. This invasive non-native species can take over, preventing Puffins from nesting and rearing their young.

A brown and white conservation biosecurity dog in Orkney. Text reads The Orkney Native Wildlife Project aims to safeguard native species in Orkney by addressing the threat that invasive non-native Stoats pose. Highly trained Stoat detection conservation dogs help by indicating signs of activity.

Seabirds flying over the ocean. Text reads Biosecurity for Scotland helps deliver biosecurity plans for islands, support biosecurity surveillance, and delivers training for marine industries. The project also works to raise awareness and offers educational resources.

Rhododendron in Scottish rainforest habitat. Text reads Rhododendron ponticum is a huge threat to Scotland’s rainforests. It can spread rapidly and out-compete native plants. The Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforests works to tackle rhododenron and address threats from other invasive species too.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Thanks to @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social for helping us raise awareness about #biosecurity on #seabird #islands in their latest newsletter. We would love it if all seabird researchers became biosecurity ambassadors, helping us spread the word, carrying out checks & keeping their eyes out on the ground

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

It's #InvasiveSpeciesWeek and a good time to highlight that although many mammals are native to mainland UK, most are not native on islands and these invasive mammalian predators are a big risk to our important native seabirds. If you see one on an island report it to us or island staff!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Island residents are always interested to watch our amazing Conservation Detection Dogs in action! We welcomed Reid and his handler Rachel onto the Biosecurity for Wales team for the day back in the spring to perform a routine check of @enllibardsey @bardsey_bird_obs

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

During routine surveillance on the Skerries back in April, signs of rodent gnaw marks were discovered on a wax chew block. Within 4 days we had a full incursion grid laid out across the islands and Conservation Detection Dog Jinx and his handler Greg searched the islands for signs of rat.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Back in the spring a routine Conservation Detection Dog check confirmed @skokholm_island continues to be rat-free. Jinx and his handler Greg searched buildings, burrows and were sure to check the area that a life raft wrecked back in 2024.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

The other island we work on in the Isles of #Scilly SPA is rat free Annet, the 2nd largest uninhabited island there. The public cannot land on Annet & the Isles of Scilly #Wildlife Trust only visit a few times a year to reduce disturbance to the 6000 pairs of seabirds & large grey seal colony there.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

St Agnes & Gugh is the main #island we work on in the Isles of #Scilly Special Protection Area. There are ~85 inhabitants but also room for increasing no.'s of burrow nesting European Storm Petrel & Manx Shearwater thanks to the removal of rats in 2013/14. #Biosecurity helps maintain this +ve trend!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

#Lundy Site of Special Scientific Interest is designated for breeding #seabirds - #Puffins, Manx #Shearwaters, #Kittiwakes, #Razorbill & Common #Guillemot. Thanks to the removal of #invasive rats between 2002-04 Manx Shearwater no.'s have increased 7500% since & European Storm Petrel now breed there

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

We focus on the benefits to #seabirds of keeping #islands free of invasive non-native mammalian predators but removing invasive predators from islands or ideally using #biosecurity to prevent them reaching islands in the 1st place benefits the entire #ecosystem www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

theguardian.com

Lord Howe Island got rid of its rats and mice – now its ‘wonderful’ insect life is back

Invasive vermin decimated the island’s native flora and fauna – but its unique cockroaches and beetles are thriving once again

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Today is #WorldOceansDay, our #BirdOfTheDay the #Puffin needs safe spaces to breed & feed. All #seabirds need nest sites free of invasive predators or inaccessible to them. All seabirds also need a well managed #Marine Protected Area #MPA network. Seabirds need safe spaces on land & at sea to thrive

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

#ClimateChange increases sea temperature reducing #seabird food availability, as well as increasing intensity of storms which kill seabirds in large wrecks. Storms can also increase the chance of #invasive predators reaching seabird #islands on storm debris. Act #NowForClimate #WorldEnvironmentDay

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Our #biosecurity #conservation #detectiondog team had a great time at the Amble #Puffin Festival with @rspb.bsky.social #Coquet colleagues, demonstrating just how effective dogs are at seeking out their target smell. Not rats in this case but tiny pieces of Kong! www.theambler.co.uk/2026/05/29/s...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

With several incursions happening across UK islands now, like the rat incursion on Mousa, it’s more important than ever to ensure you take measures to prevent the spread of invasive non-native predatory mammals. You can find guidance on what you can do on the biosecurity for life website.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

This #VolunteerWeek we'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helps us with #biosecurity awareness raising, invasive predator surveillance or incursion response. We have 8 hubs around the UK with trained volunteer teams, find out more here: biosecurityforlife.org.uk/projects/vol...

biosecurityforlife.org.uk

Volunteer with us

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

#SteepHolm Site of Special Scientific Interest is designated for Herring, Lesser Black-backed & Great Black-backed #Gull. Both Herring & Greater are on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. Despite their prevalence in seaside towns, their numbers are actually in decline & they need our help!

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

The #Farnes Special Protection Area is the 3rd largest breeding Arctic Tern colony in the UK. Also designated for Common, Sandwich & Roseate Tern, Guillemot, Puffin, Cormorant, Shag & Kittiwake. With 35,000 visitors landing on Inner Farne each year everyone can help with #biosecurity checks of bags.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

#Coquet Special Protection Area is the largest breeding Roseate & Common #Tern colony in the UK. Also designated for Arctic & Sandwich Tern, Puffin & Black-headed Gull. There is no public landing on Coquet but #biosecurity risk from work access, passing boats & storm debris washing down River Coquet

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

If you're in #Amble on Saturday 23rd May you can chat to @rspb.bsky.social #Coquet staff at the annual #Puffin Festival.You can also meet 1 of our #Biosecurity Conservation Detection Dog teams, Rachel & Reid.Find out more about how sniffer dogs help Save Our #Seabirds ambleevents.org/amble-puffin...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

If it's raining where you are check out the 4 livestream cameras from sunny @rspb.bsky.social #Coquet today - those #Puffins are just posers! You can also view nesting Roseate Tern, the rarest UK breeding #seabird. Both species require invasive predator free #islands www.youtube.com/@CarnyxWild/...

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Worrying news from @rspbscotland.bsky.social colleagues on the #Orkney Native Wildlife Project with a #stoat sighting on #Rousay. We hope their incursion response & established #biosecurity measures succeed in quickly removing this invasive predator from the Outer Isles www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

First spotting of a stoat confirmed in Orkney's outer isles

It was pictured on a camera set up in Rousay - swimming distance from Orkney's Mainland.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

An interesting read from one of our North Wales Rapid Incursion Response Hub #volunteers, a bunch of whom were able to support the recent @northwaleswt.bsky.social eradication effort on Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island) off Anglesey. #Biosecurity will be vital in keeping the island rat free from now on.

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Reposted by Biosecurity for LIFE

RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Sir David Attenborough… on your 100th birthday, we thank you. For a lifetime dedicated to the natural world, and for sharing its story with such grace and wonder. Generations have fallen in love with nature because of you. Happy birthday, Sir. 🎉

This photograph captures Sir David Attenborough seated outdoors on the rugged terrain of Skomer Island. Behind him, the ocean and coastal cliffs form a scenic backdrop under a clear sky. Sir David, dressed in a khaki jacket and light trousers, looks towards the camera with a gentle expression, exuding a sense of warmth, calm, and wisdom. Around him, puffins can be seen flying and perched on the rocky ground, illuminated in rays of golden sunlight as the sun sets behind the cliffs.

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Worrying news from Mousa in #Shetland with sightings of rat on the island. #Mousa is home to the largest population of European Storm Petrel in the UK, a sparrow sized ground nesting #seabird particularly vulnerable to invasive predators. @rspbscotland.bsky.social www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/04/30/w...

shetnews.co.uk

Warning over threat to birds after rat seen on Mousa

The uninhabited island hosts the UK’s largest breeding population of storm petrels

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Biosecurity for LIFE @biosecuritylife.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Brilliant job by @rspbengland.bsky.social staff & volunteers & #Puffin Cruises in #Amble, removing ghost fishing gear from #Coquet #Island. Washed ashore by storms, this can be deadly to wildlife that become trapped in it. Also poses a #biosecurity risk creating attractive places for rodents to hide

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