Fungus Smuggled Into US from China: Should We Worry About Another Big Outbreak like Covid?

New York (USA) June 08: A Chinese researcher named Zunyong Liu was found to have carried a dangerous crop fungus into the United States. He brought it while visiting his girlfriend in July 2024. US officials now fear that this may not be a simple act. Some experts call it an agroterrorism risk. The fungus, called Fusarium graminearum, harms wheat and may cause economic damage. The US Department of Justice has said it is a biological threat.

Expert Gordon Chang Issues A Chilling Warning

Gordon Chang, a writer and expert on China, said this fungus might do more damage than COVID-19. He believes such actions are not accidents. According to him, China could be using these methods to weaken other countries. He strongly advised that the US should end all ties with China. His words have started a big debate in the political and farming world. Many people now wonder – is this just the beginning?

What Makes Fusarium graminearum So Dangerous?

This fungus mainly attacks wheat and barley crops. It causes a disease called head blight, which makes crops rot. Farmers lose a lot of money when this happens. In the past, this disease has destroyed large amounts of grain in the US. The fungus spreads fast and is hard to stop. If not managed early, it can damage food supplies and hurt the farming economy badly. That is why the alarm is ringing now.

Experts Say The Fungus Is Not A New Threat

Some farm experts disagree with the panic. They say this fungus already exists in the US. According to a Reuters report, most farmers are trained to handle it using fungicides and strong seeds. These experts say it won’t be useful as a weapon. But the big concern is why someone smuggled it. That has raised questions about hidden intentions and biosecurity at the country’s borders.

The Big Question: Was This A Mistake Or A Message?

People are divided. Was it a simple mistake or a bigger plan? The US Justice Department says this could be part of agricultural terrorism. If this is true, it shows how something small like fungus can be used to create big damage. The US now faces pressure to act fast and protect its farms. The warning from Chang and the response from law agencies make one thing clear – this story is far from over.