From Farms to Frontlines: The Transformation of Biosecurity Policy in the United States

Abstract

The transformation of biosecurity policy in the United States reflects evolving challenges at the intersection of agriculture, public health, and national security. This thesis examines the evolution of U.S. biosecurity, focusing on the impacts of industrial animal agriculture and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Biosecurity—traditionally aimed at protecting populations and environments from biological threats—has broadened significantly, shifting from a state-centric, threat-driven framework to a more global, interconnected approach that incorporates human, animal, and environmental health. This thesis employs discourse analysis and securitization theory to investigate how biosecurity threats are framed, the referent objects they aim to protect, and the implications of these constructions. It highlights the pivotal role of industrial poultry production in the emergence of zoonotic diseases, tracing the historical development of the industry and the paradoxical role of biosecurity measures that both mitigate and perpetuate systemic vulnerabilities. The analysis of governmental strategies, including the National Biodefense Strategy and USDA initiatives such as the “Defend Our Flocks” campaign, underscores the influence of agricultural biosecurity on national pandemic preparedness plans. Key findings reveal that U.S. biosecurity policies have been shaped by industrial agriculture's priorities, often emphasizing containment and surveillance over proactive measures addressing root causes of biological risks. While these strategies have adapted to lessons from zoonotic disease outbreaks, including avian influenza and COVID-19, they frequently reflect securitized frameworks that prioritize economic stability and trade over ecological and social dimensions of health governance. The thesis advocates for integrating the One Health approach into biosecurity frameworks, emphasizing systemic reforms to address the interconnected drivers of biological threats. By critically analyzing the evolution of U.S. biosecurity policy, this thesis contributes to understanding the complex dynamics of managing biological risks in an era of heightened global interdependence. It suggests the need for further exploration of practices that balance public health imperatives with ecological and economic considerations.