Biotechnology: impact on biological warfare and biodefense.
Advances in biological research likely will permit development of a new class of advanced biological warfare (ABW) agents engineered to elicit novel effects. In addition, biotechnology will have applications supporting ABW weaponization, dissemination, and delivery. Such new agents and delivery systems would provide a variety of new use options, expanding the BW paradigm. Although ABW agents will not replace threats posed by traditional biological agents such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Variola (smallpox), they will necessitate novel approaches to counterproliferation, detection, medical countermeasures, and attribution.
Petro
James B
JB
Counterproliferation and Technology Office, Defense Intelligence Agency, Bolling AFB, Washington, DC, USA. James.petro@dia.mil
Plasse
Theodore R
TR
McNulty
Jack A
JA
D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control; D035843:Biomedical Research; D001709:Biotechnology; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D014481:United States