NCJ Number
193175
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper looks at the possible cost risks of agroterrorism, addresses the history of agroterrorism in the United States, and shares some recommendations for countering agroterrorism.
Abstract
Agroterrorism involves knowingly or maliciously using biological agents as weapons against the agricultural industry and the food supply. The cost of recovering from serious animal disease outbreaks is much higher than just the cost of livestock and disposal of the animals. As seen in the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Great Britain, the cost of the disease spreads to the value of lost trade and into industries such as tourism. There are no data suggesting that the effects of natural outbreaks and those caused by terrorism are comparable. Agroterrorism will have a much higher cost than natural outbreaks because "the terrorist will behave strategically in an attempt to create maximum damage." The paper observes that the cost in terms of damages is directly proportional to the time it takes to diagnose the disease. The longer it takes, the more the disease could spread and cause potentially extensive losses of production and exports. The paper suggests several actions at national, State, and local levels to fund disease eradication and compensation costs and to bolster public confidence in the food production system. Notes