NCJ Number
223374
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 12-15
Date Published
March 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the potential for terrorist attacks against agricultural targets in the United States ("agroterrorism") and what is being done to address the threats.
Abstract
Agroterrorism is defined as "the deliberate introduction of an animal or plant disease for the purpose of generating fear, causing economic losses, and/or undermining social stability." Human sickness and death could be a consequence if contaminated food is consumed or if an animal pathogen is transmissible to humans. The agricultural sector has several distinctive vulnerabilities to agroterrorism. Farms are geographically dispersed in typically remote areas; and livestock are often concentrated in confined locations and transported or commingled with other herds. Further, many agricultural disease agents can be easily obtained, handled, and dispersed. They are readily found in many areas outside the United States and do not pose a safety risk to the agroterrorist. In addressing these vulnerabilities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conducting comprehensive risk assessments for agricultural and food commodities, which can then be used to identify protective measures, as well as research and development gaps. In addition, DHS is working with the USDA and FDA and sector partners in developing and practicing communications, response, and recovery efforts. DHS is also advancing scientific research and analysis through several national facilities and is working with the USDA to build the next-generation laboratory that will allow advanced research to understand and develop better ways of preventing threats to crops, animals, and humans. One of the most important DHS activities for protecting the food and agricultural sectors involves intelligence collection, analysis, and application. DHS continues to expand the network of information sources pertinent to the identification of actual and potential threats to crops, livestock, and humans.