United States Airman wearing an M-17 nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare mask and hood
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Bioterrorism is terrorism involving the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents. These agents are bacteria, viruses, or toxins, and may be in a naturally occurring or a human-modified form. For the use of this method in warfare, see biological warfare.
Contents
- 1 Definition
- 2 History
- 2.1 20th century
- 2.2 21st century
- 3 Types of agents
- 3.1 Category A
- 3.2 Category B
- 3.3 Category C
- 4 Planning and response
- 4.1 Preparedness
- 4.2 Biosurveillance
- 5 Response to bioterrorism incident or threat
- 6 In popular culture
- 7 References
- 8 External links
Definition
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The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (June 2012) |
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, toxins or other harmful agents used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be mutated or altered to increase their ability to cause disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. Biological agents can be spread through the air, water, or in food. Terrorists tend to use biological agents because they are extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread from person to person and some, like anthrax, cannot.[1]
Bioterrorism is an attractive weapon because biological agents are relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain, can be easily disseminated, and can cause widespread fear and panic beyond the actual physical damage.[2] Military leaders, however, have learned that, as a military asset, bioterrorism has some important limitations; it is difficult to employ a bioweapon in a way that only the enemy is affected and not friendly forces. A biological weapon is useful to terrorists mainly as a method of creating mass panic and disruption to a state or a country. However, technologists such as Bill Joy have warned of the potential power which genetic engineering might place in the hands of future bio-terrorists.[3]
The use of agents that do not cause harm to humans but disrupt the economy have been discussed.[citation needed] A highly relevant pathogen in this context is the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus, which is capable of causing widespread economic damage and public concern (as witnessed in the 2001 and 2007 FMD outbreaks in the UK), whilst having almost no capacity to infect humans.
History
20th century
By the time World War I began, attempts to use anthrax were directed at animal populations. This generally proved to be ineffective. Shortly after the start of World War I, Germany launched a biological sabotage campaign in the United States, Russia, Romania, and France.[4] At that time, Anton Dilger lived in Germany, but in 1915 he was sent to the United States carrying cultures of glanders, a virulent disease of horses and mules. Dilger set up a laboratory in his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He used stevedores working the docks in Baltimore to infect horses with glanders while they were waiting to be shipped to Britain. Dilger was under suspicion as being a German agent, but was never arrested. Dilger eventually fled to Madrid, Spain, where he died during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918.[5] In 1916, the Russians arrested a German agent with similar intentions. Germany and its allies infected French cavalry horses and many of Russia’s mules and horses on the Eastern Front. These actions hindered artillery and troop movements, as well as supply convoys.[4]
In 1972 police in Chicago arrested two college students, Allen Schwander and Stephen Pera, who had planned to poison the city's water supply with typhoid and other bacteria. Schwander had founded a terrorist group, "R.I.S.E.", while Pera collected and grew cultures from the hospital where he worked. The two men fled to Cuba after being released on bail. Schwander died of natural causes in 1974, while Pera returned to the U.S. in 1975 and was put on probation.[6]
1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack: In Oregon in 1984, followers of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh attempted to control a local election by incapacitating the local population. This was done by infecting salad bars in 11 restaurants, produce in grocery stores, doorknobs, and other public domains with Salmonella typhimurium bacteria in the city of The Dalles, Oregon. The attack infected 751 people with severe food poisoning. There were no fatalities. This incident was the first known bioterrorist attack in the United States in the 20th century.[7]
Aum Shinrikyo anthrax release in Kameido : In June 1993 the religious group Aum Shinrikyo released anthrax in Tokyo. Eyewitnesses reported a foul odor. The attack was a total failure, infecting not a single person. The reason for this, ironically, is that the group used the vaccine strain of the bacterium. The spores recovered from the attack showed that they were identical to an anthrax vaccine strain given to animals at the time. These vaccine strains are missing the genes that cause a symptomatic response.[8]
21st century
2001 - USA and Chile - Anthrax Attacks: In September and October 2001, several cases of anthrax broke out in the United States in the 2001 anthrax attacks, apparently caused deliberately. Letters laced with infectious anthrax were concurrently delivered to news media offices and the U.S Congress, alongside an ambiguously related case in Chile. The letters killed 5.CNN
Types of agents
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The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (June 2012) |
Under current United States law, bio-agents which have been declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have the "potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety" are officially defined as "select agents". The CDC categorizes these agents (A, B or C) and administers the Select Agent Program, which regulates the laboratories which may possess, use, or transfer select agents within the United States. As with US attempts to categorize harmful recreational drugs, designer viruses are not yet categorized and avian H5N1 has been shown to achieve high mortality and human-communication in a laboratory setting.
Category A
These high-priority agents pose a risk to national security, can be easily transmitted and disseminated, result in high mortality, have potential major public health impact, may cause public panic, or require special action for public health preparedness.
- Tularemia or "rabbit fever"
- [9] has a very low fatality rate if treated, but can severely incapacitate. The disease is caused by the Francisella tularensis bacterium, and can be contracted through contact with the fur, inhalation, ingestion of contaminated water or insect bites. Francisella tularensis is very infectious. A small number (10–50 or so organisms) can cause disease. If F. tularensis were used as a weapon, the bacteria would likely be made airborne for exposure by inhalation. People who inhale an infectious aerosol would generally experience severe respiratory illness, including life-threatening pneumonia and systemic infection, if they are not treated. The bacteria that cause tularemia occur widely in nature and could be isolated and grown in quantity in a laboratory, although manufacturing an effective aerosol weapon would require considerable sophistication.[10]
- Anthrax
- Anthrax is a non-contagious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. An anthrax vaccine does exist but requires many injections for stable use. When discovered early, anthrax can be cured by administering antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin).[11] Its first modern incidence in biological warfare were when Scandinavian "freedom fighters" supplied by the German General Staff used anthrax with unknown results against the Imperial Russian Army in Finland in 1916.[12] In 1993, the Aum Shinrikyo used anthrax in an unsuccessful attempt in Tokyo with zero fatalities.[8] Anthrax was used in a series of attacks on the offices of several United States Senators in late 2001. The anthrax was in a powder form and it was delivered by the mail.[13] Anthrax is one of the few biological agents that federal employees have been vaccinated for. The strain used in the 2001 anthrax attack was identical to the strain used by the USAMRIID.[14]
- Smallpox
- [15] Smallpox is a highly contagious virus. It is transmitted easily through the atmosphere and has a high mortality rate (20–40%). Smallpox was eradicated in the world in the 1970s, thanks to a worldwide vaccination program.[16] However, some virus samples are still available in Russian and American laboratories. Some believe that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, cultures of smallpox have become available in other countries. Although people born pre-1970 will have been vaccinated for smallpox under the WHO program, the effectiveness of vaccination is limited since the vaccine provides high level of immunity for only 3 to 5 years. Revaccination's protection lasts longer.[17] As a biological weapon smallpox is dangerous because of the highly contagious nature of both the infected and their pox. Also, the infrequency with which vaccines are administered among the general population since the eradication of the disease would leave most people unprotected in the event of an outbreak. Smallpox occurs only in humans, and has no external hosts or vectors.
- Botulinum toxin
- [18] The neurotoxin [19] Botulinum is one of the deadliest toxins known, and is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism causes death by respiratory failure and paralysis.[20] Furthermore, the toxin is readily available worldwide due to its cosmetic applications in injections.
- Bubonic plague
- [21] Plague is a disease caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium. Rodents are the normal host of plague, and the disease is transmitted to humans by flea bites and occasionally by aerosol in the form of pneumonic plague.[22] The disease has a history of use in biological warfare dating back many centuries, and is considered a threat due to its ease of culture and ability to remain in circulation among local rodents for a long period of time. The weaponized threat comes mainly in the form of pneumonic plague (infection by inhalation)[23] It was the disease that caused the Black Death in Medieval Europe.
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers
- [24] This includes hemorrhagic fevers caused by members of the family Filoviridae (Marburg virus and Ebola virus), and by the family Arenaviridae (for example Lassa virus and Machupo virus). Ebola virus disease, in particular, has caused high fatality rates ranging from 25–90% with a 50% average. No cure currently exists, although vaccines are in development. The Soviet Union investigated the use of filoviruses for biological warfare, and the Aum Shinrikyo group unsuccessfully attempted to obtain cultures of Ebola virus.[citation needed] Death from Ebola virus disease is commonly due to multiple organ failure and hypovolemic shock. Marburg virus was first discovered in Marburg, Germany. No treatments currently exist aside from supportive care. The arenaviruses have a somewhat reduced case-fatality rate compared to disease caused by filoviruses, but are more widely distributed, chiefly in central Africa and South America.
Category B
Category B agents are moderately easy to disseminate and have low mortality rates.
- Brucellosis (Brucella species)[25]
- Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens
- Food safety threats (for example, Salmonella species, E coli O157:H7, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus)
- Glanders[26] (Burkholderia mallei)
- Melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei)[27][28]
- Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci)
- Q fever (Coxiella burnetii)[29]
- Ricin[30] toxin from Ricinus communis (castor beans)
- Abrin toxin from Abrus precatorius (Rosary peas)
- Staphylococcal enterotoxin B
- Typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii)
- Viral encephalitis (alphaviruses, for example,: Venezuelan equine encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis)
- Water supply threats (for example, Vibrio cholerae,[31] Cryptosporidium parvum)
Category C
Category C agents are emerging pathogens that might be engineered for mass dissemination because of their availability, ease of production and dissemination, high mortality rate, or ability to cause a major health impact.
- Nipah virus
- Hantavirus
- SARS
- H1N1 (a strain of influenza)
- HIV/AIDS
Planning and response
Main article: Biodefense
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The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (June 2012) |
Planning may involve the development of biological identification systems. Until recently in the United States, most biological defense strategies have been geared to protecting soldiers on the battlefield rather than ordinary people in cities. Financial cutbacks have limited the tracking of disease outbreaks. Some outbreaks, such as food poisoning due to E. coli or Salmonella, could be of either natural or deliberate origin.
Preparedness
Biological agents are relatively easy to obtain by terrorists and are becoming more threatening in the U.S., and laboratories are working on advanced detection systems to provide early warning, identify contaminated areas and populations at risk, and to facilitate prompt treatment. Methods for predicting the use of biological agents in urban areas as well as assessing the area for the hazards associated with a biological attack are being established in major cities. In addition, forensic technologies are working on identifying biological agents, their geographical origins and/or their initial source. Efforts include decontamination technologies to restore facilities without causing additional environmental concerns.
Early detection and rapid response to bioterrorism depend on close cooperation between public health authorities and law enforcement; however, such cooperation is currently lacking. National detection assets and vaccine stockpiles are not useful if local and state officials do not have access to them.[32]
Aspects of protection against bioterrorism in the United States include,
- Detection and resilience strategies in combating bioterrorism. This occurs primarily through the efforts of the Office of Health Affairs (OHA), a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), whose role is to prepare for an emergency situation that impacts the health of the American populace. Detection has two primary technological factors. First there is OHA's BioWatch program in which collection devices are disseminated to thirty high risk areas throughout the country to detect the presence of aerosolized biological agents before symptoms present in patients.[33] This is significant primarily because it allows a more proactive response to a disease outbreak rather than the more passive treatment of the past.
- Implementation of the Generation-3 automated detection system. This advancement is significant simply because it enables action to be taken in four to six hours due to its automatic response system, whereas the previous system required aerosol detectors to be manually transported to laboratories.[33] Resilience is a multifaceted issue as well, as addressed by OHA. One way in which this is ensured is through exercises that establish preparedness; programs like the Anthrax Response Exercise Series exist to ensure that, regardless of the incident, all emergency personnel will be aware of the role they must fill.[33] Moreover, by providing information and education to public leaders, emergency medical services and all employees of the DHS, OHS suggests it can significantly decrease the impact of bioterrorism.[33]
- Enhancing the technological capabilities of first responders. This is accomplished through numerous strategies. The first of these strategies was developed by the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) of DHS to ensure that the danger of suspicious powders could be effectively assessed, (as many dangerous biological agents such as anthrax exist as a white powder). By testing the accuracy and specificity of commercially available systems used by first responders, the hope is that all biologically harmful powders can be rendered ineffective.[34]
- Enhanced equipment for first responders. One recent advancement is the commercialization of a new form of Tyvex™ armor which protects first responders and patients from chemical and biological contaminants. There has also been a new generation of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) which has been recently made more robust against bioterrorism agents. All of these technologies combine to form what seems like a relatively strong deterrent to bioterrorism. However, New York City as an entity has numerous organizations and strategies that effectively serve to deter and respond to bioterrorism as it comes. From here the logical progression is into the realm of New York City’s specific strategies to prevent bioterrorism.[34]
- Project BioShield The accrual of vaccines and treatments for potential biological threats, also known as medical countermeasures has been an important aspect in preparing for a potential bioterrorist attack; this took the form of a program beginning in 2004, referred to as Project BioShield.[35] The significance of this program should not be overlooked as “there is currently enough smallpox vaccine to inoculate every United States citizen… and a variety of therapeutic drugs to treat the infected.”[35] The Department of Defense also has a variety of laboratories currently working to increase the quantity and efficacy of countermeasures that comprise the national stockpile.[36] Efforts have also been taken to ensure that these medical countermeasures are able to be disseminated effectively in the event of a bioterrorist attack. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores championed this cause by encouraging the participation of the private sector in improving distribution of such countermeasures if required.[36]
On a CNN news broadcast in 2011, the CNN chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, weighed in on the American government’s recent approach to bioterrorist threats. He explains how, even though the United States would be better fending off bioterrorist attacks now than they would be a decade ago, the amount of money available to fight bioterrorism over the last three years has begun to decrease. Looking at a detailed report that examined the funding decrease for bioterrorism in fifty-one American cities, Dr. Gupta stated that the cities “wouldn’t be able to distribute vaccines as well” and “wouldn’t be able to track viruses”. He went on to say that movie portrayals of global pandemics, such as Contagion, were actually quite possible and may occur in the United States under the right conditions.[37]
A news broadcast by MSNBC in 2010 also stressed the low levels of bioterrorism preparedness in the United States. The broadcast stated that a bipartisan report gave the Obama administration a failing grade for its efforts to respond to a bioterrorist attack. The news broadcast invited the former New York City police commissioner, Howard Safir, to explain how the government would fare in combating such an attack. He said how “biological and chemical weapons are probable and relatively easy to disperse”. Furthermore, Safir thought that efficiency in bioterrorism preparedness is not necessarily a question of money, but is instead dependent on putting resources in the right places. The broadcast suggested that the nation was not ready for something more serious.[38]
Biosurveillance
In 1999, the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Biomedical Informatics deployed the first automated bioterrorism detection system, called RODS (Real-Time Outbreak Disease Surveillance). RODS is designed to draw collect data from many data sources and use them to perform signal detection, that is, to detect a possible bioterrorism event at the earliest possible moment. RODS, and other systems like it, collect data from sources including clinic data, laboratory data, and data from over-the-counter drug sales.[39][40] In 2000, Michael Wagner, the codirector of the RODS laboratory, and Ron Aryel, a subcontractor, conceived the idea of obtaining live data feeds from "non-traditional" (non-health-care) data sources. The RODS laboratory's first efforts eventually led to the establishment of the National Retail Data Monitor, a system which collects data from 20,000 retail locations nationwide.[39]
On February 5, 2002, George W. Bush visited the RODS laboratory and used it as a model for a $300 million spending proposal to equip all 50 states with biosurveillance systems. In a speech delivered at the nearby Masonic temple, Bush compared the RODS system to a modern "DEW" line (referring to the Cold War ballistic missile early warning system).[41]
The principles and practices of biosurveillance, a new interdisciplinary science, were defined and described in the Handbook of Biosurveillance, edited by Michael Wagner, Andrew Moore and Ron Aryel, and published in 2006. Biosurveillance is the science of real-time disease outbreak detection. Its principles apply to both natural and man-made epidemics (bioterrorism).
Data which potentially could assist in early detection of a bioterrorism event include many categories of information. Health-related data such as that from hospital computer systems, clinical laboratories, electronic health record systems, medical examiner record-keeping systems, 911 call center computers, and veterinary medical record systems could be of help; researchers are also considering the utility of data generated by ranching and feedlot operations, food processors, drinking water systems, school attendance recording, and physiologic monitors, among others.[40] Intuitively, one would expect systems which collect more than one type of data to be more useful than systems which collect only one type of information (such as single-purpose laboratory or 911 call-center based systems), and be less prone to false alarms, and this appears to be the case.
In Europe, disease surveillance is beginning to be organized on the continent-wide scale needed to track a biological emergency. The system not only monitors infected persons, but attempts to discern the origin of the outbreak.
Researchers are experimenting with devices to detect the existence of a threat:
- Tiny electronic chips that would contain living nerve cells to warn of the presence of bacterial toxins (identification of broad range toxins)
- Fiber-optic tubes lined with antibodies coupled to light-emitting molecules (identification of specific pathogens, such as anthrax, botulinum, ricin)
New research shows that ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes offer the high gain, reliability and robustness needed to detect anthrax and other bioterrorism agents in the air. The fabrication methods and device characteristics were described at the 50th Electronic Materials Conference in Santa Barbara on June 25, 2008. Details of the photodiodes were also published in the February 14, 2008 issue of the journal Electronics Letters and the November 2007 issue of the journal IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.[42]
The United States Department of Defense conducts global biosurveillance through several programs, including the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System.[43]
Another powerful tool developed within New York City for use in countering bioterrorism is the development of the New York City Syndromic Surveillance System. This system is essentially a way of tracking disease progression throughout New York City, and was developed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The system works by tracking the symptoms of those taken into the emergency department—based on the location of the hospital to which they are taken and their home address—and assessing any patterns in symptoms. These established trends can then be observed by medical epidemiologists to determine if there are any disease outbreaks in any particular locales; maps of disease prevalence can then be created rather easily.[44] This is an obviously beneficial tool in fighting bioterrorism as it provides a means through which such attacks could be discovered in their nascence; assuming bioterrorist attacks result in similar symptoms across the board, this strategy allows New York City to respond immediately to any bioterrorist threats that they may face with some level of alacrity.
Response to bioterrorism incident or threat
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The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (June 2012) |
Government agencies which would be called on to respond to a bioterrorism incident would include law enforcement, hazardous materials/decontamination units and emergency medical units, if they exist.
The US military has specialized units, which can respond to a bioterrorism event; among them are the United States Marine Corps' Chemical Biological Incident Response Force and the U.S. Army's 20th Support Command (CBRNE), which can detect, identify, and neutralize threats, and decontaminate victims exposed to bioterror agents. US response would include the Center for Disease Control.
Historically, governments and authorities have relied on quarantines to protect their populations. International bodies such as the World Health Organization already devote some of their resources to monitoring epidemics and have served clearing-house roles in historical epidemics.
Media attention toward the seriousness of biological attacks increased in 2013-2014. In July 2013, Forbes published an article with the title "Bioterrorism: A Dirty Little Threat With Huge Potential Consequences."[45] In November 2013, Fox News reported on a new strain of botulism, saying that the Centers for Disease and Control lists botulism as one of two agents that have “the highest risks of mortality and morbidity”, noting that there is no antidote for botulism.[46] USA Today reported that the U.S. military in November was trying to develop a vaccine for troops from the bacteria that cause the disease Q fever, an agent the military once used as a biological weapon.[47] In February 2014, the former special assistant and senior director for biodefense policy to President George W. Bush called the bioterrorism risk imminent and uncertain[48] and Congressman Bill Pascrell called for increasing federal measures against bioterrorism as a “matter of life or death.”[49] The New York Times wrote a story saying the United States would spend $40 million to help certain low and middle-income countries deal with the threats of bioterrorism and infectious diseases.[50]
In popular culture
Main articles: Biological warfare in popular culture and Includes works about bioterrorism
References
- ^ "Bioterrorism Overview". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008-02-12. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ of Biologics as Weapons Bioterrorism: A Threat to National Security or Public Health Defining Issue? MM&I 554 University of Wisconsin–Madison and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, September 30, 2008
- ^ Joy, Bill (2007-03-31), Why the Future Doesn't Need Us: How 21st Century Technologies Threaten to Make Humans an Endangered Species, Random House, ISBN 978-0-553-52835-0
- ^ a b Gregory, B; Waag, D. (1997), Military Medicine: Medical aspects of biological warfare (PDF), Office of the Surgeon General, Department of the Army, Library of Congress 97-22242, retrieved 2009-05-22
- ^ Experts Q & A, Public Broadcasting Service, 2006-12-15, retrieved 2009-05-22
- ^ W. Seth Carus, "R.I.S.E.", in Toxic Terror: Assessing Terrorist Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (MIT Press, 2000), p55, p69
- ^ Past U.S. Incidents of Food Bioterrorism Bioterrorism: A Threat to National Security or Public Health Defining Issue, University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, MM&I 554, September 30, 2008
- ^ a b CDC-Bacillus anthracis Incident, Kameido, Tokyo, 1993
- ^ CDC Tularemia
- ^ http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/tularemia/facts.asp
- ^ Vietri, Nicholas J.; Purcell, Bret K.; Tobery, Steven A.; Rasmussen, Suzanne L.; Leffel, Elizabeth K.; Twenhafel, Nancy A.; Ivins, Bruce E.; Kellogg, Mark D.; Webster, Wendy M.; Wright, Mary E.; Friedlander, Arthur M. (2009). "A Short Course of Antibiotic Treatment Is Effective in Preventing Death from Experimental Inhalational Anthrax after Discontinuing Antibiotics". The Journal of Infectious Diseases (Oxford University Press) 199 (3): 336–41. ISSN 0022-1899. JSTOR 40254424 – via JSTOR. (registration required (help)).
- ^ Bisher, Jamie, "During World War I, Terrorists Schemed to Use Anthrax in the Cause of Finnish Independence," Military History, August 2003, pp. 17–22.Anthrax Sabotage in Finland
- ^ Puneet K. Dewan, Alicia M. Fry, Kayla Laserson, et al. Inhalational Anthrax Outbreak among Postal Workers, Washington, D.C., 2001 Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol 8, No 10, October 2002
- ^ Debora MacKenzie. "Anthrax attack bug 'identical' to army strain". New Scientist. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
- ^ CDC Smallpox
- ^ What CDC Is Doing to Protect the Public From Smallpox
- ^ Military Vaccination Program website
- ^ CDC Botulism
- ^ [1]
- ^ CDC Botulism Factsheet
- ^ CDC Plague
- ^ CDC Plague Home Page
- ^ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Plague
- ^ CDC VuralHemirrhagic Fevers
- ^ CDC Brucellosis
- ^ CDC Glanders
- ^ CDC Melioidosis
- ^ CDC Why has melioidosis become a current issue?
- ^ CDC Q Fever
- ^ CDC Ricin
- ^ WebMD.com Cholera
- ^ Bernett, Brian C. (December 2006), US Biodefense and Homeland Security: Toward Detection and Attribution (PDF), Monterey, California, United States: Naval Postgraduate School, p. 21, retrieved 2009-05-24
- ^ a b c d United States. Cong. House. Committee on Homeland Security. Ensuring Effective Preparedness Responses and Recovery for Events Impacting Health Security Hearing before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, March 17, 2011. 112th Cong., 1st sess. HR 397. Washington: U.S. G.P.O., 2012. Print.
- ^ a b United States. Cong. House. Committee on Homeland Security. First Responder Technologies: Ensuring a Prioritized Approach for Homeland Security Research and Development : Joint Hearing before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, May 9, 2012. 112th Cong., 2nd sess. HR 397. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
- ^ a b Hylton, Wil S. "How Ready Are We for Bioterrorism?" The New York Times. The New York Times Company, 26 Oct. 2011. Web.
- ^ a b United States. Cong. House. Committee on Homeland Security. Taking Measure of Countermeasures. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, April 13, 2011 and May 12, 2011. 112 Cong., 1st sess. HR 397. Washington: U.S. G.P.O., 2012. Print.
- ^ John King, USA. CNNW. San Francisco. 20 Dec. 2011. Television.
- ^ MSNBC News Live. MSNBC. New York City. 26 Jan. 2010. Television
- ^ a b Wagner, Michael M.; Espino, Jeremy; et al. (2004), "The role of clinical information systems in public health surveillance", Healthcare Information Management Systems (3 ed.), New York: Springer-Verlag, pp. 513–539
- ^ a b Wagner, Michael M.; Aryel, Ron; et al. (2001-11-28), Availability and Comparative Value of Data Elements Required for an Effective Bioterrorism Detection System (PDF), Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance Laboratory, retrieved 2009-05-22
- ^ Togyer, Jason (June 2002), Pitt Magazine: Airborne Defense, University of Pittsburgh, retrieved 2009-05-22
- ^ Avalanche Photodiodes Target Bioterrorism Agents Newswise, Retrieved on June 25, 2008.
- ^ Pellerin, Cheryl. "Global Nature of Terrorism Drives Biosurveillance." American Forces Press Service, 27 October 2011.
- ^ Chen, H, D Zeng, and Y Pan. "Infectious Disease Informatics: Syndromic Surveillance for Public Health and Bio-Defense." 20120, XXII, 209p. 68 illus.., Hardcover.
- ^ Bell, Larry. "Bioterrorism: A Dirty Little Threat With Huge Potential Consequences". Forbes. 2013-07-21 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
- ^ Heitz, David. "Deadly bioterror threats: 6 real risks". Fox News. 2013-11-02 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
- ^ Locker, Ray. "Pentagon seeking vaccine for bioterror disease threat". USA Today. 2013-11-18 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
- ^ Cohen, Bryan. "Kadlec says biological attack is uncertain, imminent reality". Bio Prep Watch. 2014-02-17 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
- ^ Cohen, Bryan. "Pascrell: Bioterror threat a life or death matter". Bio Prep Watch. 2014-02-12 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
- ^ Tavernise, Sabrina. "U.S. Backs New Global Initiative Against Infectious Diseases". New York Times. 2014-02-13 (Retrieved 2014-02-17)
Bibliography
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- Christopher, G. W.; et al. (1998), Adapted from Biological Warfare: A Historical Perspective, Fort Detrick, Maryland: Operational Medicine Division
- Eitzen, E.; Takafuji, E. (1997), "Historical Overview of Biological Warfare", Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of the Surgeon General, Department of the Army
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External links
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Wikisource has original text related to this article:
The Town That Was Poisoned
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- Bioterrorism and Biocrimes.The Illicit Use of Biological Agents Since 1900, by W. Seth Carus
- Beyond Anthrax.Extremism and the Bioterrorism Threat
- Emerging Health Threats Forum
- EU Health Portal Information on EU activities related to bioterrorism
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- NOVA: Bioterror
- Pandemics and Bioterrorism: From Realistic Threats to Effective Policies
- Bioterrorism: Could Ebola be a Possible New Biological Weapon?
Biological warfare and Bioterrorism
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Modern incidents |
- 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack
- 1989 California medfly attack
- 2001 anthrax attacks
- Wood Green ricin plot
- 2003 ricin letters
- 2013 ricin letters
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Prevention
and response |
- Australia Group
- Center for Biosecurity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- Global Health Security Initiative
- Health Threat Unit
- Laboratory Response Network
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
- National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
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Biological agents |
- Anthrax
- Avian influenza
- Botulinum toxin
- Brucellosis
- Burkholderia pseudomallei
- Chlamydophila psittaci
- Coxiella burnetii
- Ebola
- Equine encephalitis (Eastern
- Western
- Venezuelan)
- Foodborne illness
- Fungi
- Glanders
- Hantavirus
- Henipavirus
- Legionnaires' disease
- Marburg virus
- Mold
- Plague
- Ricin
- Salmonella enterica
- Salmonellosis
- Salmonella typhi
- Smallpox
- Staphylococcus
- Tularemia
- Typhus
- Viral hemorrhagic fever
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Related concepts |
- Agro-terrorism
- Anthrax hoaxes
- Psychochemical weapons
- Bacteria
- Biocontainment
- Biological hazard
- Biological warfare in popular culture
- Decontamination
- Entomological warfare
- Infectious disease
- Virus
- Toxin
- Terrorism
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- Biological warfare portal
- Wiktionary definition
- Wikimedia Commons
- Wikisource
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United States biological defense program
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Organizations |
Federal
administrative |
DHS |
- DHS Chemical and Biological Defense Division
- DHS Office of Health Affairs (National Biosurvelliance Integration Center, BioWatch)
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
- National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
- National Bioforensic Analysis Center
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DNI |
- National Counterproliferation Center (Advisory Committee on Bioterrorism)
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DHHS |
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
- Division of Select Agents and Toxins (CDC)
- National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity
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DoD |
- Assistant SECDEF for NCB Defense Programs
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System
- Joint Program Executive Office of Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD)
- National Center for Medical Intelligence
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Federal
research |
Trans-
departmental |
- National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research (National Integrated Biodefense Campus, Fort Detrick)
- Integrated National Biodefense Medical Countermeasures Portfolio (DHHS/DoD)
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Military |
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
- Dugway Proving Ground
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Civilian |
- Galveston National Laboratory (UTMB/NIAID)
- Integrated Research Facility (HHS/NIAID)
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (HHS)
- Homeland Security Research Program (EPA/DHS)
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center (USDA)
- Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (USDA)
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Response |
Local |
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State |
- State Health Departments
- Nebraska Biocontainment Patient Care Unit
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Federal |
- National Medical Response Team/National Pharmacy Response Team (NDMS, HHS)
- Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (USMC)
- Epidemic Intelligence Service (CDC)
- Aeromedical Biological Containment System (CDC)
- Bioterror Rapid Response and Advanced Technology Laboratory (CDC)
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Non-
governmental |
Academic centers
& think tanks |
- UPMC Center for Health Security (formerly Center for Biosecurity)
- Henry L. Stimson Center
- Center for Advancing Microbial Risk Assessment
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Pathogens (Brown University)
- Middle-Atlantic Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research
- Center for Biodefense Immune Modeling (University of Rochester)
- Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases (NCBID; George Mason Univ.)
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Government
contractors |
- Battelle Memorial Institute
- SRI International
- Idaho Technology
- Phoenix Air
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Programs
& projects |
Threat reduction |
- Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, including the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (DoD)
- Project Bacchus
- Project Clear Vision
- Project Jefferson
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Biosurveillance |
- Laboratory Response Network (CDC)
- BioWatch (EPA, CDC)
- Global Bio-Surveillance Technology Initiative (GBTI), Bio-Surveillance Management Office (BMO) (part of JPEO-CBD)
- ESSENCE (DoD)
- RODS (Civilian)
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Biosecurity/Biosurety |
- Select Agent Program (CDC)
- Personnel Reliability Program (DoD)
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Medical intelligence |
- National Intelligence Assessments on Infectious Diseases
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Disaster response |
- National Response Framework of the National Strategy for Homeland Security (DHS; including NIMS & ICS)
- National Disaster Medical System (DHHS)
- Strategic National Stockpile (CDC, DHS)
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Technology
& equipment |
Protection |
- MOPP
- NBC suit
- Respirators
|
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Detection |
- Cell CANARY
- Biological Materials MASINT
- Autonomous Pathogen Detection System
- Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS)
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Biocontainment |
- Biosafety level
- Biosafety cabinet
- Positive pressure personnel suit
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Law |
Treaties |
- Geneva Protocol (1925, 1975)
- Statement on Chemical and Biological Defense Policies and Programs (1969)
- Biological Weapons Convention (1972)
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Legislation |
- Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989
- Executive Order 13139 (1999)
- Patriot Act (2001)
- Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act (2002)
- Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002
- Project Bioshield Act (2004)
- Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2005
- Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (2005)
- Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (2006)
- Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013
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International
representation |
- Global Health Security Initiative
- Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction
- United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004)
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History |
Past biological
incidents |
- 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack
- 1989 California medfly attack
- 2001 anthrax attacks
- Wood Green ricin plot (2002)
- 2003 ricin letters
- 2013 ricin letters
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Defunct organizations
& programs |
- United States Army Medical Unit
- United States biological weapons program
- Sunshine Project
- Aeromedical Isolation Team (DoD)
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Related topics |
- Agro-terrorism
- Biodefense
- Biosecurity in the United States
- Biological agent
- Biological hazard
- Biological warfare (BW)
- Biosurveillance
- Bioterrorism
- CBRN defense
- Decontamination
- Entomological warfare
- Isolation (health care)
- Select agent
- Smallpox virus retention controversy
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