Historical Perspectives of Microbial Bioterrorism

A number of events over the last decade have served to focus attention on the threat of terrorism and the use of biological or chemical weapons against military and civilian populations for the purpose of causing illness or death. It is increasingly recognized that agricultural animals and plants also present a vulnerable target to terrorists. Most significantly, the threat of terrorism has attracted the attention of policy makers in all levels of government in the United States. However, policy makers and analysts have differed in their assessment of the threat of bioterrorism. Many authorities believed that the threat of bioterrorism was growing, particularly from non-state sponsored groups. Some of them contended that it was only a matter of time before a terrorist used biologic agents to cause mass casualties, while others argued that the historical record provided no basis for concern. Moreover, some even questioned the wisdom of funding preparedness efforts. However, the situation changed in October 2001 when an individual or individuals sent spores of Bacillus anthracis to media companies in New York City and Boca Raton, Florida resulting in five deaths and considerable panic throughout the country.