Director's column: meeting the challenges of post September 11

On the morning of September 11, 2001, while witnessing the televised images of a monstrous attack on the United States, my reaction was no different than the reaction of most others. As an American, I was shocked, outraged, and saddened by these acts of terrorism that none of us ever expected.

These tenuous times provide a great challenge for all of us. With these challenges come opportunities. Oregon agriculture has an opportunity to provide what is needed — just as it has in the past when the nation was called to action.

There are still many Oregon farmers and ranchers who vividly remember how the state's agricultural production rose to the occasion during World War II. The Willamette Valley grew 90% of the nation's flax that was used for fiber to provide US soldiers with clothing, tents, parachutes, bomb slings, and fire hoses. Oregon grains were staples for feeding the troops as were various canned food products. The state's ag industry hummed at high capacity to patriotically meet the needs of our successful war effort.

Oregon no longer grows flax for commercial production, nor is flax needed by today's military. But what is produced by Oregon agriculture remains a vital cog in the wheel of today's efforts. Humanitarian aid to feed the starving people of Afghanistan — victims of their own Taliban government — has included air drops of flour, no doubt milled from Pacific Northwest soft white wheat. Actual MREs—meals ready to eat — are also part of the air drop and are processed, in large part, by a Willamette Valley processor. Those same MREs will be used to feed our troops as they fight to end the threat of global terrorism. There is an old saying that an army marches on its stomach. Oregon agriculture has always helped supply the food needs of US troops. It will continue to do so in the future.

As economic sanctions are lifted in countries like Pakistan — a vital player on the current world stage — Oregon agriculture will be there. In 1997, Pakistan was the second largest export market for Oregon grain, after Japan, with $266 million in US government-backed grain sales. Due to sanctions, those exports shrunk to just $37 million in 1999. But as Pakistan is brought back into the fold in response to its cooperation in the attempt to capture Osama bin Laden, Oregon grain exports could regain historical levels in Pakistan.

So Oregon agriculture steps up to the current challenge — not an unaccustomed role. But its production and viability seem to be just as important these days to our domestic well being. The assurance and reliability of food grown within its own borders is important to a nation's security. Oregon producers stand ready to respond to America's needs.

There is something reassuring about farmers and ranchers dutifully producing and providing the necessary food and fiber for our nation. Perhaps now more than ever, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of agricultural production throughout the country, including Oregon. It is easy to take it all for granted, but agriculture is the backbone that makes so much possible. Whatever events transpire over the next several weeks, months, or years, agriculture will be there ready to respond — just as it has during other demanding times in our nation's history.

ODA ready to respond to potential of bioterrorism

Training and plan development in response to the accidental or intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases took place in Oregon at least two years ago — well before the September 11th terrorist attack in New York and Washington DC But in the wake of recent events, and the concern that biological agents could be the next weapon of choice for terrorists, that training and preparedness takes on a new and important meaning.

Whether it would be the deliberate introduction of something like foot and mouth disease or the direct tainting of the food supply, it's not anything Oregonians want to think about. However, officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture believe prior efforts to develop and coordinate an emergency response to a host of potential scenarios will be helpful in the event the unthinkable occurs.

"In terms of being prepared for an animal disease emergency, we've been planning for that way before September," says State Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Clark.

In 1999, ODA created VETS — the Veterinary Emergency Team System — which includes a fully stocked rapid response trailer, carrying everything from protective clothing for workers responding to a major animal disease outbreak, to chains and padlocks that keep outbreak areas off limits. The trailer is ready to roll as is the coordinated response plan should something like foot and mouth disease take place in Oregon. Clark hopes to avoid ever using VETS, but it's there just in case.

"We have a structured system that has been in place for several years now, so we are prepared," says Clark. "That really hasn't changed since September 11 because it has been part of our normal emergency response system."

Major outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Britain and South America this past year put officials on notice. ODA even sent two of its field veterinarians to the UK to learn more about dealing with a disease outbreak.

The incursion of animal diseases may or may not have human health implications, but it certainly would have severe impacts on the economy. The rapid spread of many diseases could take a heavy toll on livestock populations and important production industries, resulting in millions or even billions of dollars in losses. No one is predicting that will be among the tools of terrorists, but no one is ruling it out either.

Dr. Gwynn Hallberg, another of ODA's field veterinarians, has been a liaison to state and federal emergency management agencies. She has participated in various training opportunities the past few years — including some on bioterrorism as part of larger discussions on emergency management. Little did she know before last month that some of the discussion would take on greater importance.

"We've attended satellite seminars on bioterrorism in the past and this year's was scheduled for September 19th and 20th," says Hallberg. "It was postponed for obvious reasons and we are awaiting new dates."

On the agenda in past seminars has been the potential for various agents to be used in bioterrorism and how to respond.

"Most agents that would be used in bioterrorism are zoonotic diseases, meaning they would affect both people and animals," says Hallberg. "We probably would see an increase in the disease in the animal population before it affected humans."

That's why a well coordinated monitoring and response program is in place among veterinarians and animal health agencies like ODA, the US Department of Agriculture, and Oregon State University, through its diagnostic laboratory. ODA is also part of the Oregon Emergency Response System — as are all state agencies — and would offer appropriate resources as well as coordination in the event of an act of terrorism within the state.

"We've been working for years in planning responses to disease emergencies, it's just that nobody notices until something like the World Trade Center tragedy happens," says Hallberg.

ODA's Food Safety Division is also ready to respond should bioterrorism reach the food supply. It's routine inspection of food and facilities will at least offer some assistance in monitoring the situation.

"The work our staff does in preventing food borne illnesses and in assuring that the food supply is safe will continue," says administrator Ron McKay. "Our work with the State Health Division in assisting with illness investigations prepares us to respond should we have a bioterrorism incident."

McKay says federal food agencies, including USDA and the Food and Drug Administration, are reviewing current practices in light of September 11th. Sometime in the near future, he expects some guidelines and recommendations will be sent on to state agencies like ODA, all in the hopes of improving food security.

There is also another potential for bioterrorism — the introduction of invasive species such as noxious weeds or exotic animal and insect pests. It may seem far fetched, but certain species could have a devastating impact on the environment over time. At least one official believes potential terrorists would find other avenues.

"Invasive species can be described as an explosion in slow motion," says Dan Hilburn, administrator of ODA's Plant Division. "In my opinion, terrorists prefer explosions in real time."

While no one can predict if, when, or where terrorists may strike again, if the weapon of choice is bioterrorism, ODA and other agencies don't plan on getting caught flat footed. If they can respond, they will — and with a plan in place.