NCJ Number
189785
Date Published
October 1999
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This document discusses meeting the threat of terrorism armed with biological weapons.
Abstract
Research, development, and production to weaponize pathogens and toxins are only a small part of the total process of acquiring biological weapons. The most important parts of the acquisition process are developing “formulations,” merging formulations and munitions to produce an efficient weapon system, and designing and producing a mechanism for dispersing pathogens or toxins over a target. Biological weapons can be designed and used to injure and kill not only humans, but also animals and plants. The types of biological attacks by terrorists and criminals include injections of pathogens or toxin, contamination of foods or beverages, and suspension in a wet or dry formulation and dispersed over a target area. It is highly probable that biological attacks by terrorists or criminals utilizing foodborne and waterborne pathogens or toxic chemicals will occur in the next 5 years. The probability that terrorists or criminals will carry out airborne attacks with pathogens in the next 5 years is low. A significant increase in the ability of public health and health delivery systems to respond to disease outbreaks would result if following these three steps. First, assessments should be made by each major city and State to determine what it would take to prepare for dealing with the aftermath of such a health disaster. Second, each municipality should perform a study that includes assessing its ability to respond to disease outbreaks of lesser magnitude. Third, the reporting system in this country for infectious diseases needs to be significantly improved. 44 references.