Iowans take Internet threat seriously

Authorities say an Internet threat instructs protestors to destroy biotechseed research and production facilities nationwide today. Iowa StateUniversity officials say they’re taking the threat seriously and will beprepared today — and every day — though I-S-U may not be at risk.The associate director of University Relations at I-S-U, John Anderson, sayssome students, faculty and staff may want to keep a particular eye out todayfor anything that stands out.Anderson says I-S-U was NOT specifically targeted by the threat, butprecautions are still being taken to keep the campus safe.Jonston-based Pioneer Hi-Bred International is also “on alert” in lightof today’s threat. Spokesman Doyle Karr says Pioneer workers are the topconcern. He says they’ve had a plan in place for the last several years todeal with this type of situation.Karr says security staff have been consulted and Pioneer facilities in Iowaand around the world are secure. He says that’s part of any responsiblecompany.Karr says Pioneer has research facilities and fields globally but, as aprecaution, the company has removed all specific locations from its website.