Agro-terrorism
Agroterrorism, also known as agriterrorism, is a malicious attempt to disrupt or destroy the agricultural industry and/or food supply system of a population through "the malicious use of plant or animal pathogens to cause devastating disease in the agricultural sectors".[1] It is closely related to the concepts of biological warfare and entomological warfare, except carried out by non-state parties.
A hostile attack, towards an agricultural environment, including infrastructures and processes, in order to significantly damage national and international political interests.
Contents
Theory[edit]
Clemson University's Regulatory and Public Service Program listed "diseases vectored by insects" among bioterrorism scenarios considered "most likely".[2] Because invasive species are already a problem worldwide one University of Nebraska entomologist considered it likely that the source of any sudden appearance of a new agricultural pest would be difficult, if not impossible, to determine.[3] Lockwood considers insects a more effective means of transmitting biological agents for acts of bioterrorism than the actual agents.[4] Insect vectors are easily gathered and their eggs easily transportable without detection.[4] Isolating and delivering biological agents, on the other hand, is extremely challenging and hazardous.[4]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Agriterrorism". Homeland Defense Stocks.
- ^ "Regulatory and Public Service Programs’ Strategy for the Prevention Of Bioterrorism in Areas Regulated Archived 2009-01-17 at the Wayback Machine.", Regulatory and Public Service Program, Clemson University, 2001, accessed December 25, 2008.
- ^ Corley, Heather. "Agricultural Bioterror Threat Requires Vigilance Archived 2012-02-18 at the Wayback Machine.", (Press release), Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resource, University of Nebraska, November 12, 2001, accessed December 25, 2008.
- ^ a b c Lockwood, Jeffrey A. "Insects: Tougher than anthrax", The Boston Globe, October 21, 2007, accessed December 25, 2008.
External links[edit]
- The Counter Agro Terrorism Research Center. Archived September 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
- The Counter Agro Terrorism Research Center – About Us. Archived September 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
- US food supply 'vulnerable to attack' (BBC article)
- Govern Kevin, Agroterrorism and ecoterrorism: a survey of Indo-American approaches under law and policy to prevent and defend against these potential threats ahead. Winter, 2009 10 Fl. Coastal L. Rev. 223.
- The Silent Terrorist - BBC 2006
