Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116498

Dugald C. Hall, PhD¹, Rachel D. Vasconez, RD, MBA, MPH¹, Peter M. Ginter, PhD¹, Tony Frazier, DVM², Rod Glover³, Lisa McCormick, MPH¹, and H. Pennington Whiteside, MSPH¹. (1) South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 330, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, 2059342754, dhall@uab.edu, (2) State Veterinarian, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, P.O. Box 3336, Montgomery, AL 36109, (3) FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, 2121 8th Ave. N, Suite 1400, Birmingham, AL 35203

Presidential Directive/HSPD-9 established national policy to protect agriculture and the food supply from disasters, terrorists' attacks, and other emergencies. However, criticisms of the preparedness level of the nation's food supply have continued to be a topic of considerable debate. These criticisms were voiced by outgoing Secretary of DHHS, Tommy Thompson who acknowledged that the food supply is at considerable risk from terrorist attack, and it should be regarded as “critical infrastructure.”

Beyond the apparent risks to the population, the economic impact of a terrorist attack on the food supply will have a wide range of consequences and would be especially devastating in states with a substantial portion of gross state product dependent upon agriculture. For example, estimates from the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture, indicate that agriculture and related products employ 21% of Alabama's workforce. Nationwide, agriculture represents a significant portion of the gross national product and employment patterns.

The most effective means of initiating a dialogue concerning the vulnerably of the agricultural system is through a coordinated multi-agency initiative. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is leading a southeast initiative to address issues contributing to agricultural vulnerability and to develop regional solutions. ADPH is convening a conference for agencies that have roles in preventing and responding to a disaster or a terrorist event affecting the food supply. This presentation examines cooperation between participating agencies and documents coordination and partnership mechanisms that will ensure the safety and economic viability of the agricultural system.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify vulnerable elements of the agriculture system (production and distribution) that make it vulnerable to disruption.
• Assess the national and local economic impact of an agricultural terrorist event.
• Recognize why a multiagency initiative is necessary to create a safer agricultural system.
• Specify effective interagency coordinating and partnering mechanisms that will ensure the safety and economic viability of the agricultural system.

Keywords: Partnerships, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation