Jerome Hauer

The Threat of Biological Terrorism in the New Millennium

The use of biological weapons in times of war has a long and detailed history in the 20th century. Today, analysts, law enforcement, and intelligence experts suggest that biological weapons may be used to cause mass illness and death by terrorists domestically and internationally. In fact, an incident of biological terrorism was perpetrated on the citizens of a rural Oregon community in 1984. Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels must establish programs to detect natural or intentional epidemics early so as to afford the maximum protection for citizens by way of mass prophylaxis and mass medical care.

Intergovernmental preparedness and response to potential catastrophic biological terrorism.

The 20th century is replete with examples of the use of biological weapons in times of war. Today, it is only a matter of time before terrorists find a way to develop and deploy biological weapons as well. Because of the narrow window of opportunity in which treatment and prophylaxis can positively affect the outcome of those exposed to and infected by biological weapons, aggressive public health surveillance is the best early defense. A casualty management and mass prophylaxis campaign will require coordination at all levels of government involving many agencies.