from the US House Agriculture Committee

"Bio-security" refers to the policies, and measures taken, for protecting a nation's food supply and agricultural resources from both accidental contamination and deliberate attacks of "bio-terrorism." Now viewed as an emerging threat, bio-terrorism might include such acts as introducing pests intended to kill U.S. food crops; spreading a virulent disease among animal production facilities; and poisoning water, food, and blood supplies.  The federal government is now increasing its efforts to improve bio-security because of the recognition that the United States is currently vulnerable, both from a civil and military standpoint.

Information on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy - BSE - also known as Mad Cow Disease at our NEWS page

Bio-Terrorism and Agro-Terrorism Links

• The US Department of Agriculture and Homeland Security:  Keeping America's Food and Agriculture Safe
• Johns Hopkins Center for Biodefense Strategies
• Monterrey Institute Center for Non-Proliferation Studies: Terrorism
• Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy  (CIDRAP) - University of Minnesota

• Animal Terrorism letter from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson

• Notes on Bio-Security from Dr. Dix Harrell, Area Epidemiologist with the USDA Veterinary Services , by way of Dr Ed Richey, Extension Veterinarian

• FDACS Division of Animal Industry - State Veterinarian

• Chemical & Biological Weapons: Agro-terrorism Resources (from Monterrey Institute CNS, above)

• The US agricultural sector: a new target for terrorism? (from Jane's Security)

The recent events have had a tremendous impact on our personal lives. Our economic environment has already been impacted. Extension Specialists in the Food and Resource Economics Department have prepared a series of EDIS publications on the implications of the terrorist attacks on various segments of the U.S. and Florida economy. 

Anthrax

Anthrax, a disease of mammals and humans, is caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax has an almost worldwide distribution and is a zoonotic disease, meaning it may spread from animals to humans. All mammals appear to be susceptible to anthrax to some degree, but ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats are the most susceptible and commonly affected, followed by horses, and then swine. In ruminants, the disease is generally characterized by sudden death. Ruminants contract the disease primarily through ingestion of soilborne anthrax spores. Anthrax does not spread by contact between animals.  Anthrax has received greater attention recently because of its potential as an agent in biological weapons, both on the battlefield and in a terrorist strike.                    from the USDA APHIS website

• Anthrax: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

• Anthrax: Brochure from Florida Department of Agriculture, with downloadable copy

• CDC Anthrax Page: Centers for Disease Control

• US Postal Service:  What to do if you receive an Anthrax threat

• Anthrax in Florida's Soils?:  UF/IFAS Soil & Water Science

Many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.

Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.

For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.

1. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package; DO NOT try to clean up powders or fluids.
2. PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
3. If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
4. Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
5. WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face or skin.
6. What to do next…   if you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police;  if you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
7. If possible, LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.
8. Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag that can be sealed; give the bag to law enforcement personnel.
9. Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.

On-site workers who encounter a suspicious envelope, package, or other situation should contact the local law enforcement officials.                                 CDC/ATSDR GUIDELINES (Revised October 14, 2001)

Pesticide Storage and Security

The possibility of chemical weapons attacks or attacks on food and water supplies, coupled with recent temporary bans on agricultural aircraft use by the Federal Aviation Administration are prompting a new awareness of proper pesticide storage and security measures. The events of the past few weeks bring a need for higher levels of awareness and responsibility among pesticide applicators.

Farmers, agri-chemical dealers, ag pilots, lawn care operators, exterminators and others who regularly store and use pesticides should review their management practices associated with storing pesticides and pesticide application equipment.

1. Ensure pesticide storage facilities are secure and locked.

2. Be aware of who has access to your storage area - allow access only to essential persons.

3. Consider installing security lighting and/or an alarm system.

4. Post all storage areas to indicate pesticide storage and to tell people to stay out: "Danger - Pesticides - Unauthorized Persons KEEP OUT". Consider using signs in a second language, such as Spanish.

5. Post names, addresses and telephone numbers for contact persons at the primary entrance to the storage area (list at least two people, if possible). Indicate location of nearest accessible telephone.

6. Keep and have readily available a current inventory of pesticide products.

7. Secure pesticide application equipment to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Ensure pesticide label and Material Data Safety Sheets are available on all stored pesticides.

9. Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers for fire, law enforcement and medical contacts.

Additional information on pesticide storage and storage facilities can be found in SM 57 "Building Plans and Management Practices for a Permanently-Sited Pesticide Storage Facility in Florida" available from the IFAS Bookstore.

Information provided by Dr. O. Norm Nesheim, Pesticide Information Coordinator

  Related Items from Pesticide Rules-of-Thumb Checklist

• Zero Pesticide Storage
• Pesticide Storage

Aerial Application of Farm Chemicals in Florida

As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, and the Governor's subsequent Executive Order declaring an emergency in the State of Florida, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services adopted an emergency rule related to aerial application of pesticides, fertilizers and seed. The Emergency Rule requires aerial applicators to provide proof of valid licensure with the Federal Aviation Administration and FDACS, and the submission of flight schedules to verify the legitimate use of aircraft for application purposes. FDACS developed two reporting forms for aerial applicators in connection with this Emergency Rule. The Emergency Rule, the forms, and a letter to Aerial Applicators can be found on the FDACS Bureau of Compliance Monitoring web page  or print .pdf versions from these links:

If there are any questions from Aerial Applicators concerning this rule and its requirements, direct their questions to the FDACS Bureau of Compliance Monitoring in Tallahassee at 850/488-8731.

Information provided by Dr. O. Norm Nesheim, Pesticide Information Coordinator