Strategic Study on Bioterrorism
October 16, 2006
This Strategic Study on Bioterrorism, sponsored by the CSIS Strengthening the Global Partnership Project, was conducted to increase the awareness of the threat of bioterror and to identify means by which States can prevent and respond to such threats to increase their biosecurity. It addressed bio-threat and response scenarios, risk assessment, modern diagnostic techniques and methods to strengthen capabilities for early detection, surveillance and response to natural and bioterror disease outbreaks, the technical issues to be solved and political, social and psychological aspects of bioterrorism.
The Group recommended that in order to prevent dangerous microorganisms from falling into the hands of terrorists, it is essential to secure and consolidate them in certified facilities or destroy them. This can be achieved through bilateral arrangements or through the G8 Global Partnership. In addition, the Group agreed that because the first alarm of a bio-attack will probably be sick patients in the hospital, it is critical to enhance the early detection of microorganisms in the environment and the rapid diagnosis of patients.
European countries (such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) that have substantial biotechnology industries and experience working on biodefense and with infectious diseases could work with the Russian Federation to increase security and accounting of pathogen collections, and to strengthen export control restrictions.