Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Agroterrorism is defined as:

1. Any act that targets agriculture, crops, or animals

2. Likely caused by agents that cause sudden death in animals

3. Intentional use of microorganisms or biological toxins in human populations

4. A specific form of bioterrorism targeting agriculture

The correct answer is: A specific form of bioterrorism targeting agriculture

Agroterrorism is indeed recognized as a specific form of bioterrorism that primarily targets the agricultural sector. This includes deliberate acts meant to disrupt food supply chains and harm livestock or crops. The motivation behind agroterrorism can often relate to political or ideological objectives, aiming to instill fear, economic instability, or social disruption. In this context, while the other options describe aspects related to agriculture, they do not adequately capture the focused intention behind agroterrorism as an intentional act of bioterrorism. For instance, targeting agriculture, crops, or animals encompasses a broader range of actions, not all of which are rooted in the objectives typical of terrorist activities. Similarly, the mention of agents that cause sudden death in animals or the use of microorganisms against human populations does not pertain specifically to the agriculture sector as a primary target. Hence, recognizing agroterrorism as a targeted form of bioterrorism encompasses its specific nature and intent distinctively.