![]() The probability of occurrence is low however, the consequences of a possible successful attack are serious. On this end of the spectrum, the list of biological agents available to cause mass casualties is small and would probably include one of the classic biological agents. ![]() However, they were not successful in their multiple attempts to release anthrax and botulinum toxin (4). The Aum Shinrikyo in Japan is an example of a well-financed organization that was attempting to develop biological weapons capability. They would be expected to cause the greatest harm, because of their access to scientific expertise, biological agents, and most importantly, dissemination technology, including the capability to produce refined dry agent, deliverable in milled particles of the proper size for aerosol dissemination. At the most dangerous end of the spectrum are large organizations that are well-funded and possibly state-supported. There is no evidence at this time, however, that any state has provided biological weapons expertise to a terrorist organization (4).Ī wide range of groups or individuals might use biological agents as instruments of terror. Department of State as sponsoring international terrorism (3), at least five are suspected to have biological warfare programs. Of the seven countries listed by the U.S. The accidental release of anthrax from a military testing facility in the former Soviet Union in 1979 and Iraq's admission in 1995 to having quantities of anthrax, botulinum toxin, and aflatoxin ready to use as weapons have clearly shown that research in the offensive use of biological agents continued, despite the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention ( 1, 2). Biological weapons proliferation is a serious problem that is increasing the probability of a serious bioterrorism incident. The use of biological weapons has occurred sporadically for centuries, culminating in sophisticated research and testing programs run by several countries. However, although short, the list includes agents that, if acquired and properly disseminated, could cause a difficult public health challenge in terms of our ability to limit the numbers of casualties and control the damage to our cities and nation. The list of agents that could pose the greatest public health risk in the event of a bioterrorist attack is short.
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