agroterrorism awareness: safeguarding american agriculture
TRANSCRIPT
Agroterrorism Awareness: Safeguarding American Agriculture
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
The Wisconsin ExperienceThe Wisconsin Experience• 1996- anonymous call about
contaminated rendered products• Liquid fat contaminated with
chlordane• Supplied to large feed manufacturer
and to ~4,000 farms in four states• Milk and products from farms
contaminated• $4 million to dispose of products
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
OverviewOverview
• Define the goals of agroterrorism• Understand the importance of
agriculture to our nation• Realize the impact of agroterrorism• Know which agencies are involved in
mitigation and response• Identify agents of potential use• Address public health concerns
Agroterrorism Issues
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
What is Agroterrorism?What is Agroterrorism?
The use, or threatened use, of biological (to include toxins), chemical, or radiological
agents against some component of agriculture in such a way as to adversely
impact the agriculture industry or any component thereof, the economy, or the
consuming public.
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Biological agents targeting humans, animals, or plants
Biological, chemical, or radiological agents targeting agriculture or its components
•Livestock•Food supply•Crops•Industry•Workers
TerrorismTerrorism
AgroterrorismBioterrorism Other
Conventional, radiological,
nuclear, chemical,
cyber
•Typically direct human targeting
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
The Goals of AgroterrorismThe Goals of Agroterrorism
• Fear• Economic and trade
disruption −Unlike human attack where
high morbidity or mortality are goals
• Exports are our lifeblood−2000, $51 billion exported
in agricultural commodities
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Characteristics of Targeting Agriculture
Characteristics of Targeting Agriculture
• Attack on crops or animals not as emotional as human targets−Less chance of retaliation
• Use of agent may go undetected for days, weeks
• Plausible deniability• No one would suspect it would occur
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Clues Suggesting an AttackClues Suggesting an Attack
• Traceback of animals yields dead-end• No shared factor among animals• History of the farm/facility• Other concurrent outbreaks• Unusual signs• Overwhelming mortality• Unusual season for disease
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Introducing an AgentIntroducing an Agent
• Multiple methods of delivery/insertion• Covert vs. overt • Simultaneous introduction in multiple
areas• Accidental by tourists, products• Natural vs. intentional• Real vs. hoax
−Lack of consumer confidence
Historical Aspects of Biological Warfare Programs and Agroterrorism
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
HistoryHistory• WWII
−Germany Experimentation with Foot and Mouth
Disease
−Germany and France Late blight, wheat rusts, corn beetle,
rapeseed beetle, Colorado beetle (1944)
• 1940-50’s −Soviet Union anti-agriculture weapons
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
The U.S. ProgramThe U.S. Program
• Began in 1941-42− Exam use of Newcastle, fowl plague, FMD,
hog cholera, rice blast, cereal stem rust, wheat scab, late blight
• Expanded during Korean War (1950-53)• 30,000 kilos of Puccinia graminia tritici
spores (wheat stem rust), 1951-69• 1 ton of Piricularia oryzae spores for
rice, 1966• Other crop targets: soybeans, sugar
beets, sweet potatoes, cotton
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
The U.S. ProgramThe U.S. Program
• 1969-70, shut down−Total spent: $726 million
• BWC of 1972 finally ratified by U.S. in 1975
• Reasons for discontinuing−No guarantee they work−Costly−Aging research facilities
Importance of Agriculture
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.S. Data, 1999U.S. Data, 1999
• Food and fiber accounts for ~16.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• 24 million Americans are employed in some aspect of agriculture
• Heavily tied to other industries and sectors
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.S. Animal Data, 2001U.S. Animal Data, 2001
Animal Number Value
Cattle 97.3 million $70.5 billion
Pigs 60 million $4.5 billion
Poultry (non-broiler)
440 million $1 billion
Sheep 7 million $700 million
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Leading U.S. Crops, 2001Leading U.S. Crops, 2001
Crop Production Value
Corn grain 9.5 billion Bushels $18.9 billion
Soybeans 2.9 billion Bushels $12.6 billion
Wheat 2 billion Bushels $5.4 billion
Cotton 13.8 million acres harvested $3.1 billion
Tobacco 432,000 acres harvested $2 billion
Rice 3.3 million acres harvested $925 million
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.S. Exports, 2001U.S. Exports, 2001Soybeans $5 billion Beef/veal $2.6 billion
Corn for grain
$4.5 billion Poultry (meat)
$1.6 billion
Wheat $3.2 billion Dairy products
$1.1 billion
Tobacco $1.2 billion Pork $1 billion
Non-animal exports
$40.5 billion Eggs $189 mil
Cattle (live) $271 mil
Animal exports = $12.2 billion
Total agriculture exports = $52.7 billion
Impact
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
ImpactImpact• Potential for mass disruption
−Weaken workforce −Destabilize government
• Shocking public images• Loss of freedoms• Loss of consumer confidence• Higher prices?• Food shortages?
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Monetary ImpactMonetary Impact
• Quickly felt by state/federal economy• Loss in trade• Other industries damaged
−Restaurants, suppliers,tourism, zoos, hunting, etc.
• Direct costs−Diagnostics, surveillance, depopulation,
cleaning, disinfection, indemnity, overtime
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Losses to Crops/PlantsLosses to Crops/Plants
• $33 billion/year in losses due to plant diseases−$21 billion due to nonindigenous
pathogens
• $7 billion/year in forest products−$2.1 billion due to nonindigenous
pathogens
U.S. Agencies
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)− Veterinary Services (VS)
Livestock, poultry emergencies
− Emergency Programs (EP) Prepares and trains veterinarians and
personnel to respond to outbreaks
− Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Crop, plant emergencies
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
USDA-APHIS-VSUSDA-APHIS-VS
• National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)− Ames, IA and Plum Island, NY− Four labs− Provide diagnostic services and training
• Foreign animal disease diagnosticians• All suspect FAD’s investigated within
24 hours of notification
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• 3,000 USDA inspectors−Airports, borders, seaports
• Beagle Brigade −1,800 USDA inspectors−2 million interceptions annually−130 dog teams trained to sniff out meat
and produce at airports
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) • 1999, over 41,000 U.S. maritime
trading vessels• 48% increase in trade entries• 2001, Customs processed
−472 million persons −5.7 million containers
• 2002, imported 1.5 million cattle, 5.8 million pigs
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Quarantine StationsQuarantine Stations
• Import quarantine of livestock and poultry−4 facilities
• Personally owned birds−6 quarantine facilities
• Plants−14 quarantine facilities
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
First RespondersFirst Responders
• Local and state veterinarians− Recognize outbreak of foreign animal
disease
• USDA-APHIS personnel• University extension personnel• Local, state, federal health agencies• Law enforcement• Emergency management division
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Agencies Involved inWisconsin Case
Agencies Involved inWisconsin Case
• City police• County sheriff• State crime lab• Wisconsin Ag,
Trade, Consumer Protection− Environmental
inspectors− Dairy inspectors− State veterinarian
• Dept. of Natural Resources in WI, MN, MI
• Dept. of Agriculture in MN, MI, IL, IA, IN
• Dept. of Health in WI• EPA• FDA
− Office of Criminal Investigation
Livestock
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
VulnerabilitiesVulnerabilities
• High density husbandry• Auction markets,
transport of animals• Limited immunity to
foreign animal diseases
• Centralized feed supply and distribution
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
VulnerabilitiesVulnerabilities• Poor traceability of animals• Expanded international trade and
travel• Infectious agents are widespread in
other countries• Porous borders• Lack of on-farm biosecurity• Lack of foreign animal disease
awareness
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
BiosecurityBiosecurity• Efforts to keep out unwanted microbial
agents• Minimizing spread, risk of disease• Multiple levels at which it can
be applied• Regulate visitors• Restricting movement is essential• Quarantine new animals
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Animal MovementAnimal Movement
• Mixing of animals at auction markets−More than 5 million cattle pass through
every year• Transported via trucks
−Dissemination of pathogens to other animals or fomites
• 1950-60- U.S. military secret testing
Potential Agents
Livestock and Plant Pathogens
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
USDA High Consequence
Livestock Pathogens and Toxins
USDA High Consequence
Livestock Pathogens and Toxins
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Public Health ImplicationsPublic Health Implications
• Several zoonotic diseases−Many diseases listed on the previous
slide have human health consequences
• Mechanical (negligible threat)−Newcastle disease, swine vesicular
disease
• Biological −Avian influenza, FMD
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
• Virus• Considered to be the most important
livestock disease in the world• Not in U.S. since 1929• Vesicular disease of cloven- hoofed
animals• Spread by aerosol & fomites
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
OIE Early Warning SystemOIE Early Warning System
• Disease reported within 24 hours to OIE
• Informs countries at risk
• Trade shut down until further notice
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Present
Recent Activity
Free
(Rev. 3-25-01)
Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseDistribution and Recent Activity
Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseDistribution and Recent Activity
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
• Animals at risk in the U.S.− 100 million cattle− 60 million swine− 7 million sheep− 40 million wildlife − Not horses
• Humans rarely infected• Huge economic impact
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
U.K. FMD Outbreak, 2001U.K. FMD Outbreak, 2001
• Total costs over £10 billion−Ag industry, compensation,
tourism, sports
• 6 million animals slaughtered−FMD free in less than 1 year
• Public perception−Animal welfare−Smoke pollution
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
WildlifeWildlife
• Risk of enzootic wildlife infection−Permanent trade embargoes possible
• Risk to zoos and endangered species−1985 Israel FMD infection in gazelles−1,500 deaths, spread to neighboring
livestock• $100 billion spent in the U.S.
−Hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, other outdoor activities
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Newcastle Disease (ND)Newcastle Disease (ND)
• Virus affecting poultry• Four pathotypes
−Asymptomatic, lentogenic, mesogenic, velogenic
• vND endemic in Asia, Middle East, Africa, Central/ South America
• Causes drop in egg production, neurological damage, and death
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Newcastle Disease (ND)Newcastle Disease (ND)
• 1950: First U.S. case• 1972: Eradication campaign began
−12 million birds destroyed−$56 million dollar cost to tax payers
• Outbreaks continue due to illegal importation of exotic birds and poultry
• Humans can acquire eye infections
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Newcastle DiseaseNewcastle Disease
• 2002-2003: California outbreak−2,662 premises depopulated−4 million birds destroyed−$160 million impact
• Developing countries−Effects quality and quantity of dietary
protein−Significant effect on human health
Crops and Plants
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Plant TargetsPlant Targets• Food crops
−Wheat: #1 grain export in 2002 −Corn: #2 grain export in 2002−Soybean: U.S. produced ~46% of
world’s crops in 1999-2000−Citrus, sugarcane
• Fiber−Cotton
• Timber−Northwest U.S.
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Economically Damaging Plant Pathogens in U.S.
Economically Damaging Plant Pathogens in U.S.
Citrus Canker Florida Erad program
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Southern U.S. Highly virulent
Plum Pox Virus Pennsylvania Erad program
Wheat rust Nationwide Varieties resistant
Sudden Oak Death
Northern CA Highly destructive
Rice Blast Southern U.S. Easily spread
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Plant Pathogens with Trade Issues
Plant Pathogens with Trade Issues
• Karnal Bunt−Wheat
• Maize Streak virus−Wheat, grass, maize
• Bacterial Wilt−Potatoes, tomatoes,
peppers, eggplant• Curcurbit Yellow Stunt
Disorder virus−Cantaloupe, watermelon
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Fungal Plant AgentFungal Plant Agent
• Karnal Bunt− Tilletia indica Mitra− Wheat− Affects taste not yield− 1996 discovered in
AZ, CA, TX Clean up cost $45 million
− Remain viable in soil 5 years
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Crop Pathogens
Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Crop Pathogens
• Meteorological conditions• Susceptibility of crop • Planting times, season, irrigation• Geographic terrain• Ability of agent to survive and thrive• Dependence of agent upon insect
vector, mechanical, or wind transmission
Conclusion
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
What Have We Learned?What Have We Learned?
• Threats need to be taken seriously• Framework for response and
coordination• Adequate resources and expertise
− Determine extent of attack− Prevent disease spread and associated
losses− Prevent any public health implications− Finding the perpetrator
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
Improving BiosecurityImproving Biosecurity
• Tailored to each farm−Cost-benefit
considerations−Must consider
state/federal concerns−Universal precautions
• Role of USDA-APHIS• Involvement of
industry groups
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
SummarySummary
• Agroterrorism is a real threat • Economic consequences could be
severe• Awareness education imperative• Working plans in place • Minimal direct human illness• Continued vigilance essential
Additional Resources
Center for Food Security and Public Health Iowa State University - 2003
• Davis RG. Agroterrorism: Need for awareness. In: Scanes C, ed. Perspectives in world food and agriculture: 2003. Ames, IA: ISU Press. In press., 2003
• USDA-APHIS website www.aphis.usda.gov
• OIE website www.oie.int
Acknowledgments
Development of this presentation was funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University.
Acknowledgments
Author: Radford G. Davis, DVM, MPH
Co-author: Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM