Introduction
"The fiscal downstream effect of a major act of sabotage against the food industry would ... be multidimensional, reverberating through other sectors of the U.S. economy and ultimately impacting directly on the American consumer,"
-- Peter Chalk, an associate political scientist at the Rand National Defense Research Institute
In the past two decades we’ve seen terrorists exploit our weaknesses by using ordinary fertilizer to create a bomb that destroyed the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City to the elaborate training and highjacking of commercial jetliners to destroy the World Trade Center.
This type of terrorist activity is known as an "Asymmetric Threat" which means, as the DoD Joint Staff described it, "...unanticipated or non-traditional approaches to circumvent or undermine an adversary’s strengths while exploiting his vulnerabilities through unexpected technologies or innovative means."
The next type of Asymmetric Threat America is likely to face is Agro-Terrorism where terrorists deliberately target a part of our agricultural / food system, with the end goal of destroying, disrupting or altering that system. The result would mean a devastating economic impact to our country that may easily exceed that of 9/11 and there is only a small amount of Federal personnel trained in this type of event that would be able to assist.
While Agro-Terrorism can also include attacks on bio-research labs, fur farms, etc, this article will focus only on the biological attack of our agriculture system.
The best solution is prevention and detection and first responders, such as patrol officers, area vital element to stopping this type of terrorism.
Agro-Terrorism is Easier for Terrorists to Implement
Terrorists are traditionally employ "gun and bomb" type attacks such as suicide bombers, bombs in planes, hostage taking, etc. Agroterrorism is providing terrorist organizations a far easier and safer way to attack a country as well as having numerous unprotected targets. The goal of this type of terrorism is not necessarily the total elimination of the food system but panic, fear and substantial economic loss.
For example in 2003 a single case of Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) was discovered in America. Within two days of the discovery, beef related stocks suffered significant depreciation, and many foreign countries refused to accept American beef. The result was a loss of almost $1 billion dollars in export revenue...all from one infected cow.
The diseases or toxins needed to disrupt our agriculture system are extremely easy to obtain and disburse either from infected animals themselves or from the many unsecured laboratories across the nation. Because there is no need to ‘weaponize’ these type of diseases, they can be easily smuggled into the country or grown/acquired locally. It is quite simply the easiest type of terrorism weapon to produce, far surpassing Ricin and Anthrax (both naturally occurring) which need to be refined or weaponized to become truly effective.
Not a new idea
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The use of agroterrorism is not a new idea. Governments and Military entities (including research and production by the United States) have researched and used this type of warfare for decades.
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For example:
- From 1915 to 1916 German agents introduced agents in Maryland, Virginia and New York to attack our Horse and Mule population
- In 1951 the Mau Mau Freedom Fighters used a plant toxin to successfully attack cattle in Kenya
- From 1982 to 1984 the Soviet Military used the agent Glanders to attack the rebels horse population.
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View Agroterrorism Incidents in a larger map |
Who Would Use Agro-Terrorism?
While the first thought would be for groups like Al-Queda to use this type of terrorism, other groups like the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and some animal rights groups may use biological agro-terrorism to advance their goals.
For example, an extremist animal rights group may introduce a virus into a local cattle population to promote the cause of vegetarianism. The mere fact that the cattle population became so easily infected may win them some converts, which makes this clandestine, cheap and easy form of terrorism much more attractive. Since the agent(s) introduced are naturally occurring, an investigation would take weeks to uncover the suspects (if at all).
General Agro-Terrorism Indicators & Questioning Methods
Initial:
Stopping off the road and inspecting fences, feeding materials, farm personnel movement (also applies to areas where viruses and other diseases may be stored such as University laboratories, etc.)
- Sick Animals:
Are there people interested in buying or taking sick animals from farmers, laboratories, kennels, etc?
- Dropping Off Sick or Dead Animals:
This is how the terrorist will spread a disease. Check to see if this is a violation of local or county ordinances (you may contact local law enforcement to investigate and/or arrest).
Vehicle Stops:
- During the vehicle stop look for unusual items or sick animals in the vehicle
- If there are unusual clothes, uniforms, equipment, documents, weapons, materials which can be used for making weapons, chemicals, pictures, ask about them (look for inconsistencies in the explanation and other answers or circumstances).
- If vehicle appears to be traveling with other vehicles, ask about the other vehicles, how many, etc.
- Terrorists would display an unusual desire to restrict observation of the inside of the vehicle, specifically the trunk or storage areas
Destination and Origin of Travel:
- Attempt to verify responses of all occupants. This might include evidence such as store bags, receipts, pamphlets, ticket stubs, photographic or surveillance equipment, or sketch/note pad. Check dates on receipts or other relevant material if possible.
- If no evidence is visible or available, ask specific questions regarding the destination or origin. For example: Where did you park? What did you see? What did you like about the area?
- If the vehicle stop is off the normal route for the destination or origin, ask why they are traveling this route.
- Terrorists are trained to provide law enforcement officers, with public destinations (especially tourist’s destinations) as an explanation for travel. Examples include, travel to or from shopping centers, grocery stores, or amusement parks.
Animals
The terrorist may decide to attack the food supply system by using an infected dog, cat or other animal. By using an infected animal, the terrorist can keep the virus or pathogen active and growing. In addition vials, containers or other delivery methods are not needed which will aid the terrorist in not being detected or caught (this way they can hide their intentions by saying they didn’t know the animal was infected).
As a law enforcement officer you may be able to use your authority under local or county law to prevent a suspected terrorist from using the animal(s) for agro-terrorism. At the minimum you can contact City or County Animal Enforcement for assistance if you are unsure how to enforce this code/ordinance.
Look for any violation of your local or county code for the following:
- Poisoning
(Has the animal been purposely infected or poisoned? Is there needles or other evidence around to support this fact?)
- Depriving of sustenance, shelter or medical care
(The animal is obviously sick but the suspect says they are going for a drive to Disneyland instead of going to the Veterinarian.)
It’s possible that the terrorist will use more than one animal to carry out the act, use may be able to use the following to assist you.
- Vehicle Confinement
(Lack of food or drink, other circumstances as may be reasonably expected to cause suffering, disability or death )
- Crating or boxing
(Overcrowding any animal in any crate, box, or other receptacle or to fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or sanitation to such animal.)
- Enclosures and restraints
(Confining or overcrowding any animal in any cage, coop, crate, box or any enclosure in a cruel or inhumane manner. Look for any signs of cruetly or torture these enclosures or restraints provide.)
Is there more than three dogs or cats?
While there are valid exemptions, it may be a violation of local code to for a person to keep more than three dogs over three months of age, nor more than three cats over three months of age, at any one place, or on any premises, or in any one residence located within the jurisdiction of the county with out a license/permit.
Staying Safe
Handling an agro-terrorist incident is the same as a Biological or Radiological incident. Time, Distance and Shielding are your best defense:
- Time:
Spend the least amount of time near a suspected infected animal or incident
- Distance:
An agro-terrorist incident can easily spread further an a typical Chemical, Biological or Radiological incident. Get as far away as possible and let specialists handle the situation. Be sure to keep citizens away from the incident as they can help spread the disease
- Shielding:
These incidents can become some of the highest bio-threat level incidents. Unless you have adequate protection and training you shouldn’t be anywhere near an incident. At a minimum, always wear gloves, masks and if possible shoe ‘booties’ to keep you from getting in any contact with these agents as you many never know who has been in contact with the contaminated area.
What Else Can You Do?
If you are unsure or don’t have any other reason to detain a suspected agro-terrorist but you see vials, containers, sick animals, etc. you should contact your local homeland security bureau/division, NCIS or other authorized investigative service.
Disclaimer
The contents of this article is not intended to replace professional legal, medical, or departmental guidance or procedures. In all cases, it is recommended that readers seek the advice and care of professionals if available. The author does not assume any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this article. This article is intended for academic study only.
NAVCOPS Network
I originally wrote this article for the U.S. Naval law enforcement membership network known as the 'NAVCOPS Network' located at
www.navcops.com.
