Addresses the grave threat to Texas’ food and agriculture system from bioterrorist attack. The safety, integrity and sustainability of the U.S. food and agriculture sector, including Texas, are under grave threat from intentional acts of bioterrorism. Biological agents with enhanced virulence against both crop and animal agriculture and processed food have been produced. Terrorist groups and individuals have shown the ability and will to use biologic materials in incidents such as the Tokyo subway nerve gas attack, intentional food poisoning in restaurants in Oregon, and anthrax attacks through letters placed in the U.S. Postal Service system. The recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Europe shows the devastating effects of introducing exotic disease into the food and agriculture system. Texas is uniquely vulnerable to bioterrorist attack because of the state’s 1,200 miles of international border, the high volume of agricultural goods flowing through its ports, the diversity of Texas agriculture, and the vulnerability of intensive and concentrated poultry, cattle and swine operations. Attacks upon Texas’ food and agriculture system would have profound effects on our citizens and economy.

Protects citizens, animal industries, and wildlife from the devastating impacts of imported exotic disease. The recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Europe, where indemnity payments alone exceeded $14 billion and total costs were five times that amount, demonstrates the potential threat to Texas from exotic diseases. These diseases can have devastating impacts on livestock and on wildlife populations; some diseases are capable of spreading to humans. Texas is especially vulnerable due to its geographic location and flow of trade. Prevention and early detection are needed to keep Texans safe and preserve our livestock and wildlife resources.

Ensures consumer confidence in the food supply, prevents public panic and enormous economic losses. A bio-terrorist act or unintentional introduction of exotic disease would result in loss of public confidence in the safety of the food supply . It would result in the loss of national and international markets and have profound impacts on agricultural producers. As Texas’ second largest industry, devastating economic losses in agriculture would place the state’s economy in jeopardy as well.

Provides a coherent, supportive framework to support local, state and national efforts in combating agricultural terrorism. The TAMUS Institute for Countermeasures against Agricultural Bioterrorism (ICAB) will provide a coordinated framework for research, extension, teaching and service activities within The Texas A&M University System and with other state and federal agencies. The Institute is a national and regional center that supports the agencies charged to prevent and deal with outbreaks of exotic plant and animal disease and food-borne disease.