Useful Resources
Bioterrorism: Deadly Threat
October 06, 2009
The deliberate release of viruses, bacteria or other germs to cause illness or death in people, animals or plants is considered bioterrorism. Experts fear that agents like anthrax, smallpox or the plague could potentially be manipulated to make them even more deadly, more resistant to current medicines, or more likely to spread into the environment. Since the late 1990s, the United States has been expanding the number of laboratories capable of detecting bioterrorism agents, beefing up national and local emergency preparedness and stockpiling antidotes, such as Cipro for anthrax exposure, and smallpox vaccine. But vaccines can have serious side-effects. The smallpox vaccine, mothballed for years, is now being administered to troops and contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, it has been shown to have serious side effects, including myocarditis, a potentially fatal infection of the heart that occurs 1 in 175 vaccinated individuals. The vaccine can also sicken unvaccinated people who come in close contact with those who have been inoculated with the live vaccine. Updated February 2010
Resource Links
Blogs
Various blogs on bioterrorism.
Though not specifically focused on bioterrorism, Bruce Schneier often has interesting things to say about terrorism in general and bioterrorism in particular.
Guidance for Consumers
This is the U.S. Army's guide to managing a bioterrorism event. This comprehensive online book describes symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention for a variety biological pathogens and toxins that would be likely candidates for weapons of terrorism. A 2008 multimedia DVD is available by ordering through the USAMRIID site.
In addition to information on infectious diseases, this site features radiation and chemical resources.
Advocacy
This University of Minnesota-based organization has compiled a good set of links.
Funded largely by 3M Corp., the center seeks to improve business preparedness in the wake of pandemic flu.
Public Policy
The European equivalent of the CDC Bioterrorism site above.
FDA site includes links on anthrax, plague, drug therapies and vaccines.
The law that called for beefing up national and local responses and emergency preparedness for a bioterrorism attack.
Statistics, Trends and Research
Arizona's emergency preparedness bureau provides an interesting rundown of bioterrorism/bio-warfare throughout history - from 6th century B.C., when the Assyrians poisoned enemy wells with rye ergot, to a cult's poisoning of the Tokyo subway with sarin gas to the tainting of salad bars in Oregon with salmonella.
Trends and Research, Statistics
This paper provides an introduction to bio-surveillance.
Understanding Bioterrorism
The U.S. Government's primary guide to emergency preparedness, featuring resources for particular bioterrorism agents and diseases.
