Biosecurity: Limiting Terrorist Access to Deadly Pathogens

“Bioterrorism, once a largely hypothetical threat, became a harsh reality in the fall of 2001 when letters containing a fine powder of dried anthrax spores were sent through the U.S. mail, infecting twenty-two people and killing five. Despite the fact that the attacks involved only about ten grams of powdered anthrax, the ripple effects temporarily disrupted all three branches of federal government, closed down congressional offices and mail processing stations, and frightened millions of Americans. These far-reaching consequences hinted at mayhem that could result from the large-scale release of a “weaponized” disease agent. Although, improved disease surveillance and new vaccines and their therapeutic drugs are clearly needed to combat bioterrorism, it is also essential to make it more difficult for terrorists or criminals to obtain deadly pathogens and toxins.”
By Jonathan B. Tucker

Author:
United States Institute of Peac (USIP)
Publish Date:
2003

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