THEY'VE got to be on their toes, those biosecurity officers at airports around the country.

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry seized some dodgy items from travellers last year, which carried potential weed pest and disease risks.

The list included dead snakes from Vietnam (pictured), horse meat from Uzbekistan, a live cactus from South America, photo albums made from dung, a whole shark in a jar, painted chicken feet, dried pigs ears, cheese-flavoured bugs and smoked bacon in milk chocolate from the US.

Why can't they stick to duty-free grog like everyone else?