Although concerns over bioterrorism in the United States have increased since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it is not terrorists who pose the greatest threat to the nation’s environment, but Americans themselves, said Majorie Hoy.

Hoy, professor and eminent scholar at the University of Florida, said the biggest bioterrorism concern is not attacks by terrorists using biological agents in the country, but the accidental bioterrorism being conducted on a daily basis by hundreds of Americans.

Hoy spoke to about 60 people about the threat of agricultural bioterrorism Wednesday night in the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union. She said people’s lack of awareness is causing a seemingly accidental invasion of living things like bacteria, viruses and insects into the United States through tourism and industry.

She is an expert in the areas of biological control and genetic manipulation of organisms and has written more than 280 publications on the topic.

“Time is of the essence,” Hoy said. “The public needs to be involved and accept and understand the measures that need to take place.”

For instance, zebra mussels were accidentally brought into the United States and are now creating problems in the Great Lakes — infesting water pipes and restricting the flow of water in the area.

Although Hoy has identified accidental causes as a main reason for the occurrence of bioterrorism in the United States, she said it is hard to pinpoint specific acts of terrorism. Unless an individual admits doing it, the incident is assumed to be accidental.

She said some states like California, Texas and Florida are more vulnerable to bioterrorism because of their location. For instance, Dengue Fever, also known as “breakbone fever,” is a severe illness spread by mosquitoes that is appearing in Mexico and will most likely soon be in Texas.

Hoy said Iowa is more concerned with illnesses that affect animals and crops, like soybean rust, which is why growers are being trained to spot unusual plants.

“Some people don’t understand that bringing a lovely plant or fruit back from your trip is how a pest problem starts. They don’t mean to be bioterrorists,” she said, adding that awareness should not cause fear.