FBI warns: Chinese nationals smuggled fungus—could agroterrorism cost billions?

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, were arrested and charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a highly dangerous agricultural fungus, into the United States.

The FBI and US Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation, revealing the fungus causes Fusarium head blight, a disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice. This pathogen leads to billions of dollars in global crop losses and produces mycotoxins harmful to humans and livestock.

FBI chief Kash Patel stated, "This fungus can cause a disease called 'head blight,' a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, causing significant health issues in both humans and livestock. It is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year."

The fungus was allegedly smuggled via Detroit Metropolitan Airport for research at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed. Investigators allege Jian received funding from the Chinese government and expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.

Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said, "This case involves a fungus that poses a serious risk to global food security and public health."

Agroterrorism, the deliberate introduction of harmful biological agents into agriculture, poses a significant threat to food safety and economic stability. Fusarium graminearum's ability to devastate crops and contaminate food supplies underscores the potential impact of such acts.

This case highlights growing U.S. concerns over foreign nationals involved in scientific research and the risks of bioterrorism targeting agriculture.

Agroterrorism example: In 1984, a religious cult contaminated salad bars with salmonella in Oregon, sickening over 750 people, demonstrating the vulnerability of food systems.

The arrests underscore the need for vigilance against agroterrorism threats that could cost billions and jeopardize public health worldwide.

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, were arrested for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus causing crop disease and billions in losses, into the U.S. The FBI warns this agroterrorism threat risks food security and public health, with ties to Chinese government funding and research.