Micro-organisms as a source of Food/other benefits: Food Microbiology

Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism

• Known Microbial Threats
• Plant pathogens
• Most potential agents are fungi
• Dissemination could easily result in contamination of soils
• All agents are naturally present
• Detecting difference between a natural outbreak and an intentional attack would be difficult

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Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism

• Defense Against Bioterrorism
• Much can be done to limit impact of an attack
• Key is coupling surveillance with effective response protocols

© 2012 Pearson Education Inc.

Figure 25.20 One aspect of the response to a bioterrorist attack

Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism

• Defense Against Bioterrorism
• Agroterrorism
• Little security protecting nation’s agricultural enterprises
• Livestock and poultry often moved without being tested for disease
• Many agricultural facilities are open to the public
• Methods to help defend against agroterrorism
• Screening of animals
• Restricting public access to agricultural facilities

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Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism

• The Roles of Recombinant Genetic Technology in Bioterrorism
• Could use to create new or modify biological threats
• Traits of various agents could be combined to create novel agents
• No immunity would exist in the population
• Terrorists theoretically could make their own microbes

© 2012 Pearson Education Inc.

Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism

• The Roles of Recombinant Genetic Technology in Bioterrorism
• Could be used to thwart bioterrorism
• Scientists can identify unique genetic sequences
• May aid in tracking biological agents and determining their source
• Genetic techniques could help develop vaccines, treatments, and pathogen-resistant crops

© 2012 Pearson Education Inc.