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Stephen M. Apatow
Director of Research and Development 
Humanitarian Resource Institute Biodefense Reference Library
Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Center
Eastern USA: (203) 668-0282   Western USA: (775) 884-4680
Internet: http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/fazdc/
Email: s.m.apatow@humanitarian.net

Humanitarian University Consortium
http://www.humanitarian.net/university

MITIGATING A U.S. OR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL INCIDENT

PRODUCERS AND PRODUCER  ORGANIZATIONS OVERLOOKED IN CONTINGENCY PLANNING DISCUSSIONS ON BIOSECURITY

A key point articulated at the 8th annual meeting of the Association of Veterinary Biologics Companies (AVBC) panel
discussion * on "Bioterrorism and the Veterinary Biologics Industry" was if the United States was hit with a Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD) outbreak today, table top exercises conducted by the USDA have calculated potential spread to 39 states with
the need for depopulation of  up to 48 million animals.  Associated with this discussion is the economic impact on the U.S.,
given that the agricultural sector contributes $1.5 trillion or 15% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The appropriate response to a challenge like FMD perplexed a vast majority of participants, because very little guidance to
assist the industry with risk analysis and contingency planning, has been developed during the two year period following the
2001 UK FMD outbreak.  Though several high consequence pathogens were discussed during the keynote presentations (Apatow, Huxsoll, McKim, Ruth), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was identified by the speakers as the most important foreign animal disease that the USA must be prepared for (National Academies: Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism 2002).

To access the report online, visit:

http://www.pathobiologics.org/avbc_biosecurity2003.html

INTERNATIONAL RAPID RESPONSE STRATEGY PROPOSED 

The objective of immediate access to the logistical apparatus required to contain outbreaks of geoeconomic importance has prompted discussion regarding the development of an International Rapid Response Strategy (IRRS) where resources from all OIE member countries could be tapped to support containment and control of outbreaks involving high consequence agents (OIE List A).

For additional information, visit:

http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/fazdc/irrs.html

INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF ACCIDENTAL RELEASE OR DELIBERATE USE OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AFFECTING FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

The following papers were presented at the International Forum for Discussion of Policy and Regulatory Options, To Enhance Cooperation, Reduce Vulnerability, and Modernize Post-Event Recovery Procedures, hosted by the Texas A&M University Systems Integrative Center for Homeland Security, October 14-15, 2003: 

Papers:

• Current Programs, Future Plans, and Interactions for prevention, deterrence, emergency response, and mitigation of effects of accidental introduction or deliberate use of biological agents in food and agriculture: Dr. Alejandro B. Thiermann, President of International Animal Health Code, World Organization for Animal Health.
• The Codex Perspective: Role of International Organizations- Current Programs, Future Plans, and Interactions for Prevention, Deterrence, Emergency Response, and Mitigation of Effects of Accidental Introduction or Deliberate Use of Biological Agents in Food and Agriculture: Dr. H. Michael Wehr, Director, CODEX Alimentarius Program Staff, USDA-FSIS.
• Terrorist Threats to Food: WHO Activities and Guidance for Prevention and Response: Dr. Jørgen Schlundt, Director, Food Safety Department, World Health Organization. 
• Existing WTO Agreements Aimed at Reducing Risks Associated with Trade in Food: Ms. Gretchen Heimpel-Stanton, Senior Counsellor, Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization. 
• International Aspects of Accidental Release or Deliberate Use of Biological Agents Affecting Food and Agriculture: Dr. Albino Belotto, Coordinator, Veterinary Program, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). 
• International Aspects of  Accidental Release or Deliberate Use of Biological Agents Affecting Food and Agriculture - A Canadian Perspective on Regional, Hemispheric and International Critical Infrastructure and Challenges: Dr. Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer,Canada. 
• Accidental Introduction or Deliberate Use of Biological Agents in Food and Agriculture: Dr. Kevin Walker, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). 
• FDA’s Global Strategies on Food Safety and Security: Dr. Robert Brackett, FDA-CFSAN Director of Food Safety. 
• APHIS Initiatives for Food and Agriculture Biosecurity – Homeland Security: Dr. Peter Fernandez, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 
• Perspectives of a Multinational Food Company on Accidental Release or Deliberate Use of Biological Agents Affecting Food and Agriculture: Dr. Yasmine Motarjemi, Nestle - Perspectives of a Multi-National Food Organization. 

http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/biosecurity/intlforum.html

Related Information:

• U.S. Medicine Institute for Health Studies Includes Agricultural Security and Emergency Preparedness as a Prioritized Issue: The 29 January 2002 Forum sponsored by the Department of Defense, Global Emerging Infections System and Annapolis Center focuses on preparedness, response, mitigation and policy. Agricultural Security and Emergency Preparedness: Protecting One of America's Critical Infrastructures. Stephen M. Apatow, HRIBRL Discussion Paper ASEP-2001-12, Humanitarian Resource Institute, December 2001
• Impact of the Foot and Mouth Epidemic on the Equestrian Industry in the UK - A Reference Point for the United States. Stephen M. Apatow, HRIBRL Discussion Paper FMDEI-2001-12, Humanitarian Resource Institute, December 2001.