Agroterrorism Threats Highlighted by Agribusiness Expert

As the recent wave of bombings in London and Egypt serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safeguarding the nation's food supply from terrorism, agribusiness experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance against agroterrorism and other food-related disasters. Senior Vice President of Aon Agribusiness and Food Systems Group, Rick Shanks, underscores the significance of ongoing efforts to protect the cattle industry against agricultural sabotage, even though nothing can guarantee 100% security. In recognition of the risks and vulnerabilities associated with agroterrorism, Aon is sponsoring the 2005 AgroTerrorism Assembly, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the University of California's Western Institute for Food Safety & Security.

Key Takeaways:

• The cattle industry is implementing plans to protect against agricultural sabotage, but nothing can guarantee 100% security.
• Recent testimony before the Senate Agriculture committee suggested that sabotaging the nation's agriculture system would not be difficult, fueling concerns about agroterrorism.
• Agribusiness expert Rick Shanks highlights the threat of importing animal diseases from other countries, such as Rift Valley fever from Africa and Avian influenza from Asia.
• The Avian influenza is a significant threat to the U.S. poultry system as well as to humans if it breaks out in the country.
• There have been recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Connecticut and Rhode Island, prompting calls for poultry farmers to remain vigilant and prepared to depopulate and vaccinate if the Asian strain of the virus shows up in the U.S.
• Agroterrorism and other food-related disasters pose significant risks to the nation's food supply and require continued attention and preparedness.

Statistics:

• 47,000 employees work in Aon's 500 offices in more than 120 countries (Aon Corp. fact).
• There have been recent outbreaks of avian influenza in two U.S. states (Connecticut and Rhode Island).
• Avian influenza is a significant threat to the U.S. poultry system as well as to humans if it breaks out in the country (Rick Shanks quote).
• Agroterrorism is a concern due to the perceived ease of sabotaging the nation's agriculture system (Senate Agriculture committee testimony).

Sources:

• Aon Agribusiness and Food Systems Group Senior Vice President Rick Shanks
• Aon Corp.
• United States Department of Homeland Security
• Western Institute for Food Safety & Security (University of California)
• Senate Agriculture committee