Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism
Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2003-05-30

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780309085458

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Public confidence in the security of the US food and fiber system has been sustained by the quality, variety, abundance, and affordability of agricultural products in the United States. Although the system in place to defend against unintentional threats to agriculture has weaknesses and needs, the demonstrated ability of the system to resolve, accommodate, or manage critical food safety problems, temporary shortages of some commodities, plant and animal infestations and diseases, and natural disasters indicates that, in general, such confidence has been warranted. However, over the last several years, there has been recognition of the possibility and consequences of intentional threats directed at US agriculture. Such attacks could come from foreign or domestic terrorists and use biological, chemical, or radiological agents. They could be directed at the pre harvest (live plant and live animal) or post harvest (processing and distribution) stages of food and fiber production. Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism asseses the vulnerability of US agriculture to intentional threats and provides recommendations needed to strengthen and adapt the US system for defense against biological threats to agriculture.

Agricultural Bioterrorism
Agricultural Bioterrorism

Author: Steven A. Wieneke

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13:

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The threat of agricultural terrorism in the United States has awakened the nation to the stark reality that its agricultural industry may be in jeopardy. Intentional attacks delivered by land air and sea are capable of devastating this nation's agricultural infrastructure its economy and ultimately threaten the survival of the citizens and the quality of life we have taken for granted. Preparations taken to identify vulnerabilities implementation of prevention measures and actions taken in response to an attack will determine the magnitude of the impact of an agricultural incident. This paper will present the bioterrorism threat the United States agricultural infrastructure faces. It will review the nature and threat of agricultural terrorism against livestock and croplands and demonstrate the degree of vulnerability the United States agricultural industry has against a bioterrorism attack. This paper will identify current plans policies initiatives and capabilities available at the local state and federal levels. It will review actions that should be implemented in order to strengthen this nation's ability to prevent prepare for respond to and mitigate long-term consequences that could devastate the nation's economy.

Crop Biosecurity
Crop Biosecurity

Author: Maria Lodovica Gullino

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2009-08-29

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 9789048117581

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Prevention and preparedness are the two basic approaches to maximize food security against any sort of tampering, whether natural, inadvertent or intentional. The NATO funded project “Tools for crop biosecurity” was designed to strengthen the cooperation among U.S., Europe and Israel in the field of crop biosecurity and to generate awareness on how the psychological, economic and cultural consequences of crop bioterrorism, especially attacks on soft targets such as crop seeds, could have a disproportionate adverse effect on Mediterranean agriculture and, more generally, on society. This book illustrates the achievements of the project originated from the workshops organized during the project itself taking in consideration main microbiological threads posed to crops, the tools to recognize and to control them, the needs for international cooperation and research funds to create networks which can face emerging risks for agriculture.

Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism
Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism

Author: International Strategic and Security Studies Programme of the National Institute of Advanced Studies

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-03-27

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 0309104998

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This volume presents the papers and summarizes the discussions of a workshop held in Goa, India, in January 2004, organized by the Indian National Institute of Advanced Science (NIAS) and the U.S. Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC). During the workshop, Indian and U.S. experts examined the terrorist threat faced in both countries and elsewhere in the world, and explored opportunities for the U.S. and India to work together. Bringing together scientists and experts with common scientific and technical backgrounds from different cultures provided a unique opportunity to explore possible means of preventing or mitigating future terrorist attacks.

A Short History of Biological Warfare
A Short History of Biological Warfare

Author: W. Seth Carus

Publisher: Government Printing Office

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13: 9780160941481

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This publication gives a history of biological warfare (BW) from the prehistoric period through the present, with a section on the future of BW. The publication relies on works by historians who used primary sources dealing with BW. In-depth definitions of biological agents, biological weapons, and biological warfare (BW) are included, as well as an appendix of further reading on the subject. Related items: Arms & Weapons publications can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/arms-weapons Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT & CBRNE) publications can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/hazardous-materials-hazmat-cbrne

Biological Threats and Terrorism
Biological Threats and Terrorism

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-03-07

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 030916995X

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In the wake of September 11th and recent anthrax events, our nation's bioterrorism response capability has become an imminent priority for policymakers, researchers, public health officials, academia, and the private sector. In a three-day workshop, convened by the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Emerging Infections, experts from each of these communities came together to identify, clarify, and prioritize the next steps that need to be taken in order to prepare and strengthen bioterrorism response capabilities. From the discussions, it became clear that of utmost urgency is the need to cast the issue of a response in an appropriate framework in order to attract the attention of Congress and the public in order to garner sufficient and sustainable support for such initiatives. No matter how the issue is cast, numerous workshop participants agreed that there are many gaps in the public health infrastructure and countermeasure capabilities that must be prioritized and addressed in order to assure a rapid and effective response to another bioterrorist attack.

Countering Biological Threats
Countering Biological Threats

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-05-27

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 0309131766

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In response to a request from the U.S. Congress, this book examines how the unique experience and extensive capabilities of the Department of Defense (DOD) can be extended to reduce the threat of bioterrorism within developing countries outside the former Soviet Union (FSU). During the past 12 years, DOD has invested $800 million in reducing the risk from bioterrorism with roots in the states of the FSU. The program's accomplishments are many fold. The risk of bioterrorism in other countries is too great for DOD not to be among the leaders in addressing threats beyond the FSU. Taking into account possible sensitivities about a U.S. military presence, DOD should engage interested governments in about ten developing countries outside the FSU in biological threat reduction programs during the next five years. Whenever possible, DOD should partner with other organizations that have well established humanitarian reputations in the countries of interest. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization should be considered as potential partners.

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism
Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-03-02

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0309089778

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In recent years much has happened to justify an examination of biological research in light of national security concerns. The destructive application of biotechnology research includes activities such as spreading common pathogens or transforming them into even more lethal forms. Policymakers and the scientific community at large must put forth a vigorous and immediate response to this challenge. This new book by the National Research Council recommends that the government expand existing regulations and rely on self-governance by scientists rather than adopt intrusive new policies. One key recommendation of the report is that the government should not attempt to regulate scientific publishing but should trust scientists and journals to screen their papers for security risks, a task some journals have already taken up. With biological information and tools widely distributed, regulating only U.S. researchers would have little effect. A new International Forum on Biosecurity should encourage the adoption of similar measures around the world. Seven types of risky studies would require approval by the Institutional Biosafety Committees that already oversee recombinant DNA research at some 400 U.S. institutions. These "experiments of concern" include making an infectious agent more lethal and rendering vaccines powerless.

Critical Needs for Research in Veterinary Science
Critical Needs for Research in Veterinary Science

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-10-18

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 0309164982

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Research in veterinary science is critical for the health and well-being of animals, including humans. Food safety, emerging infectious diseases, the development of new therapies, and the possibility of bioterrorism are examples of issues addressed by veterinary science that have an impact on both human and animal health. However, there is a lack of scientists engaged in veterinary research. Too few veterinarians pursue research careers, and there is a shortage of facilities and funding for conducting research. This report identifies questions and issues that veterinary research can help to address, and discusses the scientific expertise and infrastructure needed to meet the most critical research needs. The report finds that there is an urgent need to provide adequate resources for investigators, training programs, and facilities involved in veterinary research.