Developing a Threat List—Emerging Infectious Diseases

Abstract

The critical infrastructure sectors of agriculture and food systems face increasing threats of bioterrorism from agents associated with emerging infectious diseases. These disease agents include human‐specific pathogens, zoonotic pathogens, foreign animal diseases, and plant pathogens. For the purpose of strengthening defenses through awareness and preparation, this article considers the risk factors of availability and cost, ease and route of dissemination, virulence and susceptible host range, and impact and public perception. The threat risks from glanders and melioidosis are presented in more detail.