The threat of biological terrorism in the new millennium

The use of biological weapons in rimes of war has a long and detailed histo ry in the 20th century. Today, analysts, law enforcement, and intelligence experts suggest that biological weapons may be used to cause mass illness a nd death by terrorists domestically and internationally. In fact, an incide nt of biological terrorism was perpetrated on the citizens of a rural Orego n community in 1984. Government agencies at the local state, and federal le vels must establish programs to detect natural or intentional epidemics ear ly so as to afford the maximum protection for citizens by way of mass proph ylaxis and mass medical care.