PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: Amy Steigman
American Phytopathological Society
Phone: +1.651.454.7250
Web: www.apsnet.org
E-mail: asteigman@scisoc.org
Scientists To Discuss Bioterrorism
St. Paul, MN (May 23, 2002) —In July, plant health scientists from
around the world will meet in Wisconsin where one of the key subjects
under discussion will be crop protection and bioterrorism. The scientists
will hear presentations on how changes in U.S. policies may affect their
research, what the actual threat level may be, and what steps have been,
and are being taken, to prevent and respond to such attacks.
“We have a responsibility as scientists to look at
these issues,” says R. James Cook,
a plant health scientist at Washington State University, and organizer of
the meeting’s symposium, “Crop Biosecurity: Countering Agricultural
Bioterrorism.” He adds that while most plant health scientists believe
the risk of a bioterrorist attack on the world’s food crops is low;
technological and scientific advances could easily change that in the
future. “It’s important not to overreact,” says Cook. “But we do
need to be prepared.”
Of more immediate concern, say the scientists, is the
possible impact new regulations and legislation might have on their
research activities. “There’s been a lot of talk about the need to
tighten security in the U.S.,” says Cook. “This is understandable and
in many areas much-needed. However, some of these initiatives could end up
having an unintended negative effect on the free flow of scientific
information.”
The scientists worry that efforts to protect the U.S.
agriculture might go too far, making it difficult for scientists from
other nations to work together with American plant scientists to combat
diseases. Adds Cook, “We’ve made considerable advances in helping to
improve world agriculture, but that is dependent on the open exchange of
information and U.S. willingness to educate international students—both
of which could be impacted by new regulations.”
A top official with the United States Department of
Agriculture will speak at the symposium, providing an update on the
current regulatory climate and offering an opportunity for the scientists
to provide feedback on bioterrorism protection efforts. “Government
leaders have been very receptive and interested in our input and
participation on this issue,” says Cook. “Together we can develop a
program that provides reasonable protection without compromising our role
as a world leader in plant disease research.”
The symposium on bioterrorism will be held at the
Annual Meeting of The American Phytopathological Society in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin on Sunday, July 28 from 1:00-5:00PM. Complimentary registration
is available for reporters and science writers. The American
Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific
organization dedicated to the study and control of plant diseases, with
5,000 members worldwide.
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