On the prevention side, there needs to be research about the most infectious diseases, widespread vaccination against the most threatening animal borne pathogens, monitoring and intelligence to identify potential threats, and education about bioterrorism at all levels of government (RAND, 2). On the response side, early detection, early containment, treatment plans, stockpiles of vaccines and drugs, and an animal depopulation and disposal plan are all necessary (RAND, 2).
The government has passed a number of laws to help address potential threats and be ready in the event of an attack. For example, the Bioterrorism Preparedness Act tightens control of certain toxins and threatening agents and expands agricultural security. The FDA and USDA have both passed rules to increase record-keeping and monitoring related to potentially dangerous agents. Homeland Security has been authorized to increase agricultural border inspections, with the assistance of the USDA. These inspections identify and quarantine potential threats. (Monke 9-13) These measures by the government attempt to increase preparedness prior to an attack and responsiveness when an attack is implemented.
After September 11, 2001, the U.S. government began looking to prevent future attacks and the devastation they cause. Agricultural and environmental targets are not immune...
For example, foot-and-mouth disease attacking important livestock could lead to crippling economic injury to the U.S. The government has responded to this and other potential threats by equipping agencies to monitor, regulate, and respond, hopefully preventing agroterrorism in the future.
Summary: Agroterrorism is a major concern in the U.S. In particular, an attack on important livestock would have devastating long-term consequence. The introduction of an airborne pathogen as virulent as foot-and-mouth disease could create problems for years. Through its agencies, the government is trying to increase preventative and responsive measures to either keep an attack from happening or mitigate its consequences in case an agroterrorist attack is successful.
Works Cited
Gonzales, Alberto, Regina Schofield, and Glenn Schmitt. Agroterrorism -- Why We're Not Ready: A Look at the Role of Law Enforcement. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, 2006. Print.
Monke, Jim. Agroterrorism: Threats and Preparedness. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, 2004. Print.
RAND National Defense Research Institute. Agroterrorism: What Is the Threat and What Can Be Done About it? Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2003. Print.
