Bioterrorism Preparedness Program

What is Bioterrorism?

Bioterrorism is the intentional use of harmful biological substances or germs to cause widespread illness and fear. Smallpox and anthrax are examples of biological agents that could be used for bioterrorism.

Bioterrorism is different from chemical, nuclear, or radiation attacks, which are designed to cause immediate damage and release dangerous substances into the air and surrounding environment. Because it would not usually be signaled by an explosion or other obvious cause, a biological attack may not be recognized immediately and may take local health care workers time to discover that a disease is spreading in a particular area. 

• Glossary of Medical Terms Sometimes Used in Biological Warfare
• A Short History of Bioterrorism