Biotechnology and the Public Health Response to Bioterrorism

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have forced a reconsideration of international security. The role of relatively small, but well organized, terrorists groups in inflicting mass casualties must be considered a real threat. In October 2001, Bacillus anthracis spores were intentionally released through the mailing of contaminated letters distributed through the United States postal service. Again, apparently small groups, or perhaps an individual, were able to utilize a biological agent as a weapon to cause death and affect relatively large areas of the United States, including the District of Columbia, Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Furthermore, the resulting hysteria and public response has focused recent attention on the use of biological agents as potential weapons.