Image caption Perry visited Australia last week on a promotional tour

Bio-security officers in Australia have been ordered to inspect any copies of Katy Perry's new album arriving into the country from overseas.

The Department of Agriculture fears small packets of seeds given away with Prism could pose a risk to the country.

The Australian release is believed to contain harmless locally-sourced seeds.

However, the department told news.com.au that international versions are a "bio-security concern" and will be searched on arrival in the country.

"The Australian government has a strong system in place to detect and respond to material of bio-security concern," said a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture.

"This includes the inspection of mail, cargo and baggage."

The deluxe version of Perry's album Prism, which is currently number one in Australia's Aria chart, contains a small packet of seeds which the US singer encourages fans to plant.

Her production company has assured officials that the Australian release contains Swan River daisy seeds from the west of the country, however fans can still purchase copies from abroad online.

The US version is available for under $19 (£12) from eBay including shipping, according to Billboard.com, while the Australian version retails for $24.99 (£15).

Australia's strict customs laws mean the US copies could be confiscated.

"Seeds or plant material of international origin may be a weed not present in Australia or the host of a plant pathogen of bio-security concern," said a department spokesperson.

They continued: "Our bio-security officers at international airports, seaports and mail centres assess the risks associated with various items every day and are well-trained in making informed decisions about whether items could be of bio-security concern."