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OverviewThe potential of terrorist attacks against agricultural targets (agroterrorism) is increasingly recognised as a national security threat, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. Agroterrorism is a subset of bioterrorism, and is defined as the deliberate introduction of an animal or plant disease with the goal of generating fear, causing economic losses, and/or undermining stability. Attacks against agriculture are not new, and have been conducted or considered by both nation-states and substate organisations throughout history. The results of an agroterrorist attack may include major economic crises in the agricultural and food industries, loss of confidence in government, and possibly human casualties. Humans could be at risk in terms of food safety or public health, especially if the chosen disease is transmissible to humans (zoonotic). Public opinion may be particularly sensitive to a deliberate outbreak of disease affecting the food supply. Public confidence in government could be eroded if authorities appear unable to prevent such an attack or to protect the population's food supply. Agriculture has several characteristics that pose unique problems for managing the threat. Agricultural production is geographically disbursed in unsecured environments. Livestock are frequently concentrated in confined locations, and then transported and commingled with other herds. Pest and disease outbreaks can quickly halt economically important exports. Many veterinarians lack experience with foreign animal diseases that are resilient and endemic in foreign countries. Agriculture and food production generally have received less attention in counter-terrorism and homeland security efforts. But more recently, agriculture has garnered more attention in the expanding field of terrorism studies. Laboratory and response systems are being upgraded to address the reality of agroterrorism. This new book examines this threat and the preparations underway for countering it. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Linda B KatzPublisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc Imprint: Nova Science Publishers Inc Weight: 0.210kg ISBN: 9781594546396ISBN 10: 1594546398 Pages: 122 Publication Date: 05 August 2005 Audience: Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsPreface; Agroterrorism: Threats and Preparedness; Much Is Being Done to Protect Agriculture from a Terrorist Attack, but Important Challenges Remain (GAO); Index.ReviewsAuthor InformationLinda B Katz Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |