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Unlike animal diseases, those that affect crops remain in small areas of the United States, and outbreaks of plant diseases are more common—and the process of dealing with them is more routine. Plant diseases are more difficult to manipulate as well. Some require certain conditions, and will only take hold or spread if the humidity, temperature, and wind are just right.

Citrus greening and variegated chlorosis could be used effectively to decimate citrus groves, which would be highly detrimental to tropical regions. Philippine and brown stripe downy mildew could harm the nation’s corn crops, bacterial leaf streak could hurt rice fields, and a number of diseases, including bacterial wilt, brown rot, and potato canker can affect potatoes.

Other agents could possibly could be used against certain crops in specific geographic regions, including Karnal bunt, citrus canker, and soybean rust. All of these agents currently exist in the United States in regions quarantined or under surveillance by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As is the case with agents affecting animals, the efficacy of an attack to spread is dependent on environmental conditions and can be easy or difficult to achieve.

LIVESTOCK PLANTS AND CROPS

Other Potential Biological Agents

Foot and mouth disease is far from being the only biological agent that poses a threat. There are hundreds of animal and plant pathogens available to agroterrorist, although only a handful represent valid economic and social threats. Factors that determine an agent’s potential for agroterrorism include contagiousness, how rapidly it can spread, and whether the agent is recognized internationally as a “reportable” pest or disease (one that is subject to quarantine) under rules of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE, or Office International des Epizooties).

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