Assessing the Biological Weapons and Bioterrorism Threat

Assessing the Biological Weapons and Bioterrorism Threat

Author examines U.S. biodefense program and threats coming from foreign BW weapons programs. They take a specific look at the potentialities of bioweapons in the hands of terrorists and nonstate actors.

2005

One important thing that the author explains is that, often, terrorists and non-state actors do not have the abilities to produce organisms that require immense care and are fragile. They want something strong, easy to produce, and effective upon delivery. Biological agents such as plague are difficult to control and dies quickly when aerosolized, so agents like these will not be as attractive as anthrax to terrorists and non-state actors.