PNNL

Abstract

Biosecurity literally means ‘safe life’ and encompasses all policies and measures taken to secure humans, animals and plants against biological threats regardless of whether they are naturally-occurring or man-made. This includes the prevention, detection and mitigation of damage by disease, pests and bioterrorism to economies, the environment (including water, agriculture, biodiversity) and human and animal health. Biosecurity cannot be defined singularly; rather it is the sum of government policies and programs; the role of institutions and individuals; the relationship of businesses and bio-responsibility, education and community engagement at the local, national and international levels.