ABSTRACT

This chapter shows that the primary responsibility for the recognition/diagnosis, investigation, and enforcement of the laws related to agroterrorism fall within the jurisdiction of multiple agencies including the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies. The identification of an agroterroristic actions and the assignment of responsibility for such actions are the purview of law enforcement and other governmental agencies. Monitoring of animal production facilities for occurrence of disease that could be the result of natural, accidental infections or that may be the result of an agroterrorist attack should be a high priority of any attending clinical or forensic veterinarian. If a foreign animal disease or an agroterrorist attack is suspected, the veterinarian must inform the appropriate authorities. In general, it is the responsibility of the veterinarian and animal care personnel to first recognize and identify any signs of an unusual animal disease and/or signs of possible criminal/terrorist activity.