What must be done with seed that is found to contain a pest?

When seed is found to contain a pest, regulatory protocols mandate that it must undergo specific actions to mitigate potential agricultural harm. The requirement for elimination of contaminated seed within a specified timeframe, typically 60 days, is critical to prevent the spread of pests into the environment and ensure that the integrity of the agricultural ecosystem is maintained.

This approach serves to protect plants from pests that can lead to significant economic losses and the disruption of natural ecosystems. Timely action is crucial; hence the stipulation of a 60-day period emphasizes the urgency of addressing pest infestations before they can propagate further.

The other options do not align with the rigorous standards needed to manage pest issues effectively. Immediate sale, treatment without re-inspection, or returning to the vendor without addressing the contamination would not sufficiently safeguard against the pest-related risks, highlighting why they are not valid solutions in this context.