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A methodology for assessing the risk posed by the deliberate and harmful use of plant pathogens in Europe
Author(s) -
Latxague Emilie,
Sache Ivan,
Pi Jean,
Andrivon Didier,
Barbier Marc,
Suffert Frédéric
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2338.2007.01118.x
Subject(s) - risk analysis (engineering) , interdependence , agriculture , environmental planning , geography , environmental resource management , business , ecology , biology , environmental science , political science , law
Deliberate and malevolent use of plant pathogens, i.e. agroterrorism lato sensu (anticrop bioterrorism and use of bioweapons against the agricultural sector), may represent a non‐negligible threat for crops and forests in Europe. In order to assess this risk objectively, a methodology based on a critical review of existing Pest Risk Analysis schemes has been elaborated and is described in the present paper. In this methodology, three interdependent steps are suggested: (i) definition of an a priori list of potentially dangerous plant pathogens for Europe, (ii) detailed elaboration and analysis of theoretical scenarios of possible acts of agroterrorism, and (iii) elaboration and use of a risk assessment scheme adapted to agroterrorism.