Looking to the Future

Advances in technologies, increased globalization, impacts of changes in climate and land use on food production practices, and the expanding world population will continue to exert significant pressures on global biosecurity systems. The world must be prepared to face novel biosecurity threats, whether a consequence of natural pest and pathogen emergence or an intentional or unintentional release into a community. It is imperative that public and private sectors develop comprehensive and innovative strategies to mitigate these ever-evolving threats rapidly and effectively. This chapter reviews several opportunities that currently exist in global biosecurity of animal and plant systems with the hope that it will provide researchers, health experts, educators, and first responders with the awareness and impetus to adopt biosecurity tactics that enhance preparedness, reduce risk, and prevent catastrophic outcomes.