Dual-Use Research and Technological Diffusion: Reconsidering the Bioterrorism Threat Spectrum

Dual-Use Research and Technological Diffusion: Reconsidering the Bioterrorism Threat Spectrum

The global security community continues to view a potential bioterrorist event with concern. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, stated ‘‘the most important under-addressed threat relating to terrorism...is that of terrorists using a biological weapon’’ [1]. The European Commission believes that biological weapons ‘‘may have particular attractions for terrorists’’ [2]. T...

Ebola research fueled by bioterrorism threat.

The threat of bioterrorism.

The emerging threat of bioterrorism.

The threat of bioterrorism focuses attention on overall preparedness to address the challenges posed by new and reemerging infectious diseases. Bioterrorism scenarios illustrate the diversity of disciplines and perspectives required to confront these threats, whether naturally occurring or purposely caused. The need to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships is clear. Since late 1992, ...

The threat of smallpox and bioterrorism.

Smallpox (variola) was a devastating disease with a high case-fatality rate. Although the disease was eradicated in 1977, the remaining stocks of smallpox virus constitute one of the most dangerous threats to humanity. The smallpox virus is highly specific for humans and non-pathogenic in animals. There is no antiviral treatment and a vaccine is active only if administered in the first four day...