NCJ Number
193247
Date Published
October 2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews statistics and other data on the possible threat of bioterrorist acts against the United States.
Abstract
The number of criminal investigations in the United States related to the use of biological materials as weapons of mass destruction more than doubled between 1997 and 1998, from 22 of 74 (30 percent) to 112 of 181 (62 percent). The most likely targets were people, crops, and livestock. Biological agents can be spread by airborne release; by injection or direct contact; through food, pharmaceutical, and water contamination; or by animal vectors such as fleas and hair. The paper discusses characteristics of selected biological agents, countries producing biological weapons, and comparative effects of different terrorist attacks. The paper concludes that the United States lacks a coordinated and tested mechanism for responding to a biological or chemical attack, and this deficiency invites terrorists to develop the means to use these weapons. Although terrorists will face difficulties in carrying out a biological attack against America, it is well within their grasp to do so. Notes, tables, figures