South Florida Beef - Forage Program

"Article of the Month"
November 2001


Agroterrorism
How Vulnerable Are We and What Can We Do?



Lochrane A. Gary, Hardee County Extension Director


We are now facing one of the greatest challenges known by any people. International terrorism is unlike any foe we have ever faced. We are certain to be called upon to make sacrifices. Our way of life and our most cherished ideals are at stake. So are our ranches and groves. One of the worst mistakes we can make is to underestimate the virulence of our enemy. Yes, we do need to get on with life but we dare not let our guard down!

Why would a terrorist group want to attack agriculture? Because it's incredibly easy, requires little sophistication, is inexpensive and requires little risk of exposure for the terrorists. It can lead to great social disruption. Look at the decline in tourism in Britain, the shunning of meat products and the cancellation of sporting events. American agriculture generates $1 trillion a year in export revenue and an attack on our livestock population would wreak economic havoc on our producers and have an immediate ripple effect throughout our economy.

A number of foreign countries have invested in biological warfare programs that target agriculture. Several agroterrorism experts believe that the recent virus (foot and mouth disease) infecting Britain's agricultural industry is the result of a terrorist attack. Proving that a specific country or terrorist group is guilty is extremely difficult. If the perpetrators do not want the action traced back to them, proving it would be next to impossible.

What really appeals to potential terrorists when targeting agriculture is the ease with which it can be carried out. One of the major constraints to terrorists experimenting with biological weapons is the difficulty of accessing suitable strains and actually weaponizing disease agents. However, with agricultural diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease there are fewer limitations because the disease spreads by itself and is highly transmissible.

Foot and Mouth Disease was last seen in the United States in 1929, but there are a number of locations close to our shores where the disease exists and a terrorist can arrive in New York or Miami from the farthest part of the globe in less than 24 hours. Anyone can be trained to open a lesion on an infected animal overseas and transport enough virus in a coat pocket to ensure an outbreak. Of course, Foot and Mouth Disease is not transmissible to humans and is therefore harmless to the handler. As one who has traveled outside the United States three times within the past ten months on livestock assignments, I can personally testify to the dedication and professionalism of USDA Inspectors at both New York and Miami airports. They have thoroughly searched my bags and examined my livestock tools and equipment and disinfected my already disinfected boots. However, they have done so only because I had voluntarily declared that I had been on farms and handled livestock. A terrorist is not going to make such a declaration.

An attack on our livestock or fruit crop would have an immediate and devastating impact against Florida agriculture in economic terms. Worse yet would be the far-reaching psychological aspects. If you have any doubts about this just consider the gravity of what has happened in the United Kingdom this year. Well over a million head of cattle, sheep and swine have been destroyed because of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. Many of these animals were in good health but had to be slaughtered to stop the epidemic from spreading.

So what can we do to protect ourselves and our agricultural investments? What follows is a letter written by Charles Bronson, Commissioner of Agriculture, printed with permission in its entirety.

***


Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
CHARLES H. BRONSON, Commissioner
THE CAPITOL * TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0800


September 19, 2001

Dear Sir or Madam:

In the wake of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, our nation, and this state, are on a heightened security alert for potential follow-up acts of terrorism. As you know, President Bush has indicated that this is not a short term concern, but one which will extend over a considerable period of time. Both the President and many experts outside his administration have indicated that should a second attack occur, it may be in the form of chemical or biological weapons.

Our live animals, animal feed, human food and water supply are acknowledged potential vehicles for biological attack. Some of the products used for animal health, plant growth, pest control and public health protection can be misused as potential agents to attack people or places. Equally threatening is introduction of disease to our animal herds which can be devastating. For that reason, I am asking that your operation be particularly diligent in establishing and maintaining appropriate security measures to ensure that all people, products and animals flowing into and out of your operation remain as safe as possible from contamination.

Again, exercise due diligence in closely tracing product inventories, shipments and facility security measures. Conduct a security review of your farm or facility including your structures, parking areas, personnel who have access to your properties, alarm systems, emergency power systems, employee/visitor identifications, communications, perimeter security, and contingency plans. The following suggestions will aid you in your security plans.

    1. Make certain you have a list of all emergency contacts and numbers and ensure appropriate posting and notification in your firm.
    2. Review your internal security, safety procedures, and provide training to personnel. Ensure plans and procedures are in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
    3. Report all suspicious activities, vehicles, or persons.
    4. Report all threats on personnel and facilities.
    5. Report all thefts, inventory shortages, or missing products that could pose a public health or safety risk.
    6. Report all burglaries, sabotage to facilities or equipment, and all vandalism or activities that may pose a safety or security risk.

Should you suspect any problems, or discover evidence of tampering, trespassing, etc., please immediately contact my Department at 1-800-342-5869. Our Agricultural Law Enforcement Office will assist you immediately and notify other Department personnel. My Department is working closely with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in assisting with their efforts to insure the State of Florida is as safe as possible from terrorism. Local law enforcement agencies should also always be notified immediately about any of the above information.

By working together we can better ensure the safety and well being of the citizens of Florida and this great nation. We must be diligent to protect our livelihood. I know I can count on our many partners and industry members to pitch in and unite in this crucial effort. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
CHARLES H. BRONSON
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

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How Vulnerable Are We and What Can We Do?

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