Agro-Terrorism A Potential Threat

Cheyenne, WY – Homeland security officials say Wyoming farmers and ranchers need remain vigilant against the possibility of agro-terrorism. Rick Riesland is the area emergency coordinator for the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Speaking at conference yesterday in Cheyenne, Reisland said he believes Wyoming agriculture is a target. Riesland says the government has found al-Qaida documents stating that it has planned biological attacks on the United States. Riesland says disease agents, such as the virus that causes foot and mouth disease, are readily available worldwide and could easily be spread among animals.