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by John Overly, executive director, Ohio Homeland Security, Ohio Department of Public Safety

An attack against Ohio's agriculture community could have a significant health and economic impact on our state. Current intelligence information indicates terrorist groups still consider agroterrorism a viable means of attack. An agroterrorism attack could involve the intentional release of pathogens to destroy or damage livestock or crops. Depending on the pathogen, such an attack could threaten the public’s health as well.

Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) have developed plans designed to prevent the harmful introduction of plant and animal pathogens into America. Ohio Homeland Security and ODA are taking steps to make certain we have systems in place to prevent the entry of plant or animal diseases, as well as having resources and response mechanisms in place to contain and eradicate a problem should we face an emergency.

In terms of Ohio's homeland security, as a former Union County sheriff, I know firsthand the importance of individual and community involvement in assisting law enforcement with the safety process. Farmers represent a key component in homeland security efforts, because agroterrorism prevention starts with awareness of possible terrorism indicators on Ohio farms.

Farmers should be on the lookout for problem indicators like unusual numbers of diseased animals and should take special precautions to secure pesticides, vaccines and equipment such as sprayers. Suspicious activities, people or vehicles around farms should also be reported to local law enforcement. While such occurrences might seem insignificant, law enforcement officials might be aware of similar patterns in other parts of the state, region or country.

For Ohio's larger commercial farmers, producers and livestock owners, the threat of terrorism also should be taken seriously. Possible indicators of agriterrorism include:

• The purchase, loss or theft of cultures, toxins, vaccines and medications;
• Inquiries about obtaining agricultural pathogen samples;
• Unusual purchases or unexplained thefts of animals or agricultural equipment, such as commercial sprayers;
• Noxious or unusual odors, similar to a brewery or fermented grain, not routinely associated with the area;
• Unusual travel to areas where agriculture or livestock disease outbreaks have occurred or where there is a current epidemic;
• An unexplained increase in the number of sick or dying animals; and
• Suspicious activities at or near livestock feedlots, poultry farms or food processing plants.

Examples of other suspicious behaviors that may indicate a possible agriterrorism plot include strangers:

• Purchasing large amounts of highly toxic pesticides with cash;
• Asking specific questions about the toxicity of a pesticide;
• Making suspicious inquiries regarding equipment (e.g., tank size, spray range, etc.);
• Loitering near pesticide storage areas; and
• Presenting unusual (possibly altered) documents, including fraudulent pilot's or truck driver's licenses, false shipping or purchasing papers and other forms of false identification.

Additionally, ODA recommends producers and processors take physical security measures such as inspecting all visitor vehicles and escorting all visitors to their facilities. Livestock and poultry producers are encouraged to keep unauthorized visitors out of animal production facilities to help prevent the spread of animal diseases, whether there is a disease threat or not. Authorized persons should be required to wear protective clothing and shoes before entering a facility.

Livestock and poultry producers and veterinarians should be alert for signs of infectious foreign animal diseases, check their animals daily for symptoms and report suspicious symptoms to ODA by calling 800-300-9755. Additionally, fertilizer dealers should report suspicious purchases of or attempts to purchase ammonium nitrate or urea to the FBI. Fertilizer and pesticide dealers should keep these goods secured and inventoried.

All agribusinesses and food establishments should conduct background checks on employees, pay close attention to product inventories and shipments and report all suspicious activities, vehicles or persons around their property.

Finally, commercial farmers and producers are encouraged to conduct a security review of their farm or facility, including structures, parking areas, personnel who have access to the properties, alarm systems, emergency power systems, employee and visitor identifications, communications, perimeter security and contingency plans. Also, appropriate training should be provided to personnel to ensure security and emergency plans and procedures are in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.