Chinese Researchers Accused of Smuggling Dangerous Crop-Killing Fungus In the US

Chinese couple smuggle pathogens in the US

National security officials and lawmakers are sounding the alarm over an alleged plot by two Chinese researchers—reportedly in a romantic relationship—to smuggle samples of a destructive crop-killing fungus into the United States.

The FBI has accused Yunqing Jian, 33, a lab researcher at the University of Michigan and a Communist Party loyalist who received Chinese government funding, of conspiring with her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, to illegally transport the pathogen.

Liu was intercepted at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July after allegedly attempting to bring packages of Fusarium graminearum into the country, according to federal authorities.

Court documents filed Monday in Michigan federal court reveal that the couple discussed ways to sneak the fungus into the U.S. Fusarium graminearum is classified as a serious biological threat, capable of devastating crops and posing risks to livestock and humans. Experts have labeled it a "potential agroterrorism weapon" due to its ability to cause widespread agricultural damage.

The Threat of Fusarium Graminearum

Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB), a disease that primarily affects wheat, barley, and other cereal crops. The fungus produces mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), which can contaminate grains, making them unsafe for consumption.

Crop Destruction: The fungus causes crops to rot, leading to significant yield losses.

Livestock & Human Health Risks: Consuming contaminated grain can lead to vomiting, immune suppression, and long-term health issues in animals and humans.

Economic Impact: Outbreaks can devastate farming economies, with losses estimated in the billions.

Source: New York Post

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