**GAO-03-847**                      Published: Sep 19, 2003. Publicly Released: Oct 20, 2003.                  

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## Highlights

Scientists at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center are responsible for protecting the nation against animal diseases that could be accidentally or deliberately introduced into the country. Questions about the security of Plum Island arose after the 2001 terrorist attacks and when employees of the contractor hired to operate and maintain the Plum Island facilities went on strike in August 2002. GAO reviewed (1) the adequacy of security at Plum Island and (2) how well the contractor performed during the strike. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assumed the administration of Plum Island from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on June 1, 2003. While DHS is now responsible for Plum Island, USDA is continuing its research and diagnostic programs.

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## Topics

Homeland Security

Animal diseasesBiocontainment laboratoriesBiological warfareBioterrorismContractorsCounterterrorismFacility securityHomeland securityInfectious diseasesPerformance measuresPhysical securityTerrorismZoonotic diseases