Ace the 2026 Agriscience Foundation CFE Challenge – Sow the Seeds of Success!

A pathogen is a biological agent that causes disease in its host. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade tissues, disrupt normal functions, and trigger illness in plants or animals. This sets it apart from related terms: traceability deals with tracking a product through the supply chain; HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying and controlling food safety hazards; and bio-security involves measures to prevent the introduction or spread of harmful biological agents. Recognizing a pathogen is key to diagnosing disease and implementing appropriate controls such as sanitation, quarantine, and resistant varieties.