Thanks to JR Absher and his Outdoor Pressroom for the tip-off on this one.
Much has been made of the threat that invasive non-natives, such as feral hogs, present to the environment and agricultural interests. While I sometimes think things get a little blown out of proportion, I can’t argue with the general principal that invasive non-natives can be a problem.
But what I hadn’t thought about, at least not seriously, is the idea that invasives could potentially be used as biological warfare agents. I mean, really… the idea that some terrorist might plant a few zebra mussels in the nuclear plant cooling tower intakes, or sabotage the entire corn crop of Iowa with a parasitic worm is sort of James Bond-ish, no?
Well, according to a recent doctoral dissertation submitted at Atlantic International University, the risk is both real and relevant. The article in the BusinessWire, references PhD. candidate Lawrence Roberge’s dissertation on the possibility that these plants or animals might be used in an attack on the US.
Roberge’s research for AIU, which is based in Honolulu, HI and specializes in distance learning, builds upon ongoing studies by researchers at colleges and universities, the U.S. government and ecological research centers. Roberge began his research by examining if this type of threat was possible and realized it was a clear and present danger. He says that invasive species could be used to selectively destroy parts of a society potentially causing fear, social chaos, food shortages, and other forms of mass destructions.
A nation in this state would be vulnerable, and perhaps unable to respond, to an outright attack. “We must prepare for the use of invasive species as biological weapons,” says Roberge. “These types of weapons are inexpensive to produce and hard to detect immediately, so they can cause extensive damage before they can be controlled.”
It sounds pretty dire, and I suppose it could be. However, in light of the biological warfare threats such as anthrax, I’d be surprised if the possibility hadn’t been pretty thoroughly considered by our defense agencies. Then again, who knows? It’s an interesting thought at any rate.
Kinda makes me want to go shoot a hog or two.
