Maximum Containment: the Most Controversial Labs in the World
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Hidden Cargo: a Cautionary Tale About Agroterrorism and the Safety of Imported Produce
HIDDEN CARGO: A CAUTIONARY TALE ABOUT AGROTERRORISM AND THE SAFETY OF IMPORTED PRODUCE 1. INTRODUCTION The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Septem ber 11, 2001 ("9/11") demonstrated to the United States ("U.S.") Gov ernment the U.S. is vulnerable to a wide range of potential terrorist at tacks. l The anthrax attacks that occurred immediately following the 9/11 attacks further demonstrated the vulnerability of the U.S. to biological attacks. 2 The U.S. Government was forced to accept its citizens were vulnerable to attacks within its own borders and the concern of almost every branch of government turned its focus toward reducing this vulner ability.3 Of the potential attacks that could occur, we should be the most concerned with biological attacks on our food supply. These attacks are relatively easy to initiate and can cause serious political and economic devastation within the victim nation. 4 Generally, acts of deliberate contamination of food with biological agents in a terrorist act are defined as "bioterrorism."5 The World Health Organization ("WHO") uses the term "food terrorism" which it defines as "an act or threat of deliberate contamination of food for human con- I Rona Hirschberg, John La Montagne & Anthony Fauci, Biomedical Research - An Integral Component of National Security, NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (May 20,2004), at 2119, available at http://contenLnejrn.org/cgi/reprint/350/2112ll9.pdf (dis cussing the vulnerability of the U.S. to biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological terrorist attacks). 2 Id.; Anthony Fauci, Biodefence on the Research Agenda, NATURE, Feb. -
The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center: Issues
= -*=&9.43&1= .4)*+*38*=3&1>8.8=&3)= 4:39*72*&8:7*8=*39*7a=88:*8=+47=43,7*88= &3&=_=-*&= 5*(.&1.89=.3=(.*3(*=&3)=*(-3414,>=41.(>= :1>=+3`=,**1= 43,7*88.43&1= *8*&7(-=*7;.(*= 18/1**= <<<_(78_,4;= -,23+= =*5479=+47=43,7*88 Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress -*=&9.43&1= .4)*+*38*=3&1>8.8=&3)=4:39*72*&8:7*8=*39*7a=88:*8=+47=43,7*88= = :22&7>= The mission of the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is to understand current and future biological threats; assess vulnerabilities and determine potential consequences; and provide a national capability for conducting forensic analysis of evidence from bio-crimes and bio-terrorism. The NBACC is operational, with a program office and several component centers occupying interim facilities. A laboratory facility dedicated to executing the NBACC mission and to contain two NBACC component centers is being built at Fort Detrick, Maryland, as part of the National Interagency Biodefense Campus. The laboratory facility, with an estimated construction cost of $141 million, will be the first Department of Homeland Security laboratory specifically focused on biodefense. Its programmatic contents and component organization appear to be evolving, as conflicting information has been provided during previous budget cycles. Congressional oversight of programs, especially those performed in federal facilities for homeland security purposes, is considered key to maintaining transparency in biodefense. Policy issues that may interest Congress include the operation of the NBACC facility as a federally funded research and development center, transparency and oversight of research activities performed through the center, and the potential for duplication and coordination of research effort between the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. -
Responsible Life Sciences Research for Global Health Security a Guidance Document WHO/HSE/GAR/BDP/2010.2
Responsible life sciences research for global health security A GUIDANCE DOCUMENT WHO/HSE/GAR/BDP/2010.2 Responsible life sciences research for global health security A GUIDANCE DOCUMENT © World Health Organization 2010 All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization can be obtained from WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel.: +41 22 791 3264; fax: +41 22 791 4857; e-mail: [email protected]). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be ad- dressed to WHO Press, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; e-mail: [email protected]). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publica- tion. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. -
High-Risk Human-Caused Pathogen Exposure Events from 1975-2016
F1000Research 2021, 10:752 Last updated: 04 AUG 2021 DATA NOTE High-risk human-caused pathogen exposure events from 1975-2016 [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review] David Manheim 1, Gregory Lewis2 11DaySooner, Delaware, USA 2Future of Humanity Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK v1 First published: 04 Aug 2021, 10:752 Open Peer Review https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.55114.1 Latest published: 04 Aug 2021, 10:752 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.55114.1 Reviewer Status AWAITING PEER REVIEW Any reports and responses or comments on the Abstract article can be found at the end of the article. Biological agents and infectious pathogens have the potential to cause very significant harm, as the natural occurrence of disease and pandemics makes clear. As a way to better understand the risk of Global Catastrophic Biological Risks due to human activities, rather than natural sources, this paper reports on a dataset of 71 incidents involving either accidental or purposeful exposure to, or infection by, a highly infectious pathogenic agent. There has been significant effort put into both reducing the risk of purposeful spread of biological weapons, and biosafety intended to prevent the exposure to, or release of, dangerous pathogens in the course of research. Despite these efforts, there are incidents of various types that could potentially be controlled or eliminated by different lab and/or bioweapon research choices and safety procedures. The dataset of events presented here was compiled during a project conducted in 2019 to better understand biological risks from anthropic sources. The events which are listed are unrelated to clinical treatment of naturally occurring outbreaks, and are instead entirely the result of human decisions and mistakes. -
2019 Biodefense Public Report Implementation of the National Biodefense Strategy PREFACE
2019 Biodefense Public Report Implementation of the National Biodefense Strategy PREFACE The National Biodefense Strategy (NBS or the Strategy) was released on September 18, 2018 and guides the U.S. government’s efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological incidents, whether naturally occurring, deliberate, or accidental in origin. National Security Presidential Memorandum-14 (NSPM-14) directs implementation of the Strategy, including the development of this Biodefense Public Report. This report does not primarily address activities related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because the data collection period concluded well before the HHS Secretary’s declaration of a public health emergency regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the content of this report is diverse and highlights some of the efforts across the U.S. government to address all biological threats. Development of this report followed the timeline laid out in NSPM-14. Work began among federal departments and agencies to collect biodefense data in late 2018, the first year to capture biodefense programs and activities across the federal government, and continued through the first half of 2019. This report describes a sampling of specific achievements and programs undertaken by federal agencies that reduce the risk of biological threats to the American people. In addition to the specific programs captured here, many other activities continue to be implemented across the federal government to protect the United States from a wide range of biological threats. Some of the efforts that have been described within this report, and many activities that have not been reported here, support the ongoing COVID-19 response. -
BWPP Biological Weapons Reader
BWPP Biological Weapons Reader Edited by Kathryn McLaughlin and Kathryn Nixdorff Geneva 2009 About BWPP The BioWeapons Prevention Project (BWPP) is a global civil society activity that aims to strengthen the norm against using disease as a weapon. It was initiated by a group of non- governmental organizations concerned at the failure of governments to act. The BWPP tracks governmental and other behaviour that is pertinent to compliance with international treaties and other agreements, especially those that outlaw hostile use of biotechnology. The project works to reduce the threat of bioweapons by monitoring and reporting throughout the world. BWPP supports and is supported by a global network of partners. For more information see: http://www.bwpp.org Table of Contents Preface .................................................................................................................................................ii Abbreviations .....................................................................................................................................iii Chapter 1. An Introduction to Biological Weapons ......................................................................1 Malcolm R. Dando and Kathryn Nixdorff Chapter 2. History of BTW Disarmament...................................................................................13 Marie Isabelle Chevrier Chapter 3. The Biological Weapons Convention: Content, Review Process and Efforts to Strengthen the Convention.........................................................................................19 -
Bioterrorism & Biodefense
Hugh-Jones et al. J Bioterr Biodef 2011, S3 Bioterrorism & Biodefense http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-2526.S3-001 Review Article Open Access The 2001 Attack Anthrax: Key Observations Martin E Hugh-Jones1*, Barbara Hatch Rosenberg2 and Stuart Jacobsen3 1Professor Emeritus, Louisiana State University; Anthrax Moderator, ProMED-mail, USA 2Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and State Univ. of NY-Purchase (retired); Scientists Working Group on CBW, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, USA 3Technical Consultant Silicon Materials, Dallas, TX,USA Abstract Unresolved scientificquestions, remaining ten years after the anthrax attacks, three years after the FBI accused a dead man of perpetrating the 2001 anthrax attacks singlehandedly, and more than a year since they closed the case without further investigation, indictment or trial, are perpetuating serious concerns that the FBI may have accused the wrong person of carrying out the anthrax attacks. The FBI has not produced concrete evidence on key questions: • Where and how were the anthrax spores in the attack letters prepared? There is no material evidence of where the attack anthrax was made, and no direct evidence that any specific individual made the anthrax, or mailed it. On the basis of a number` of assumptions, the FBI has not scrutinized the most likely laboratories. • How and why did the spore powders acquire the high levels of silicon and tin found in them? The FBI has repeatedly insisted that the powders in the letters contained no additives, but they also claim that they have not been able to reproduce the high silicon content in the powders, and there has been little public mention of the extraordinary presence of tin. -
Studies of Military R&D and Weapons Development: Offensive/Defense
5. The Question of Offensive/Defensive Distinctions in Biological Weapons Related Research, and the Potential Stimulus to BW Proliferation by Expanded Research Programs The word "research," or any specific reference to "offensive" or "defensive" in a research context, does not appear in Article I of the Biological Weapons Convention. That reads as follows: "Each State Party to the Convention undertakes never in any circumstances to develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain: (1) Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes; (2) Weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.,,1 However, the word research did appear in the provisional treaty draft that had been drawn up by the U.K. and that had been presented to the negotiating states on July 10, 1969. That draft required states signing or ratifying the treaty "not to conduct, assist or permit research aimed at production ... " of the agents or weapons forbidden by Article I (1) and (2) above. 2 Even earlier in a working paper on microbiological warfare that the U.K. submitted to the states negotiating in Geneva, the U.K. stated: The Convention would also need to deal with research work. It should impose a ban on research work aimed at production of the kind prohibited above, as regards both microbiological agents and ancillary equipment. It should also provide for the appropriate civil medical or health authorities to have access to all research work which might give rise to allegations that the obligations imposed by the Convention were not being fulfilled. -
“Defending the Homeland from Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?”
2223 West Loop South Umair A. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. Houston, Texas 77027 Executive Director Tel: (713) 439-6000 Fax: (713) 439-6080 “Defending the Homeland from Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?” Testimony of Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH Executive Director, Harris County Public Health, TX Past-President, National Association of County and City Health Officials Before the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery October 17, 2019 I would like to thank Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Rogers, Subcommittee Chairman Payne, Ranking Member King, and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify today on behalf of local health departments and public health emergency responders across the country. My name is Dr. Umair Shah, and I am the Executive Director for Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the Local Health Authority for Harris County, Texas. Harris County is the third most populous county in the United States with 4.7 million people and is home to the nation’s 4th largest city, Houston. I am a Past President and former Board Member of NACCHO, the National Association of County and City Health Officials. NACCHO is the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments (LHDs) across the country. I am also a Past President and current Board Member of TACCHO, the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials, which represents approximately 45 LHDs across Texas. As background, Harris County is the most culturally diverse and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. and home to the world’s largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s busiest ports, the Port of Houston, and two of the nation’s busiest international airports. -
1 Hearing of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness
Hearing of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives “Defending the Homeland from Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?” October 17, 2019 Statement for the Record Asha M. George, DrPH Executive Director, Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Chairman Payne, Ranking Member King, and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for your invitation to provide the perspective of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. On behalf of our Commission – and as a former Subcommittee Staff Director and senior professional staff for this Committee – I am glad to have the opportunity today to discuss our findings and recommendations with respect to biological terrorism and national defense against biological threats. Our Commission assembled in 2014 to examine the biological threat to the United States and to develop recommendations to address gaps in national biodefense. Former Senator Joe Lieberman and former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor Tom Ridge co- chair the Commission, and are joined by former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former Representative Jim Greenwood, former Homeland Security Advisor Ken Wainstein, and former Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism Advisor Lisa Monaco. Our commissioners possess many years of experience with national and homeland security. In October 2015, the Commission released its first report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts. Shortly thereafter, we presented our findings and recommendations to this Committee. We made 33 recommendations with 87 associated short-, medium-, and long-term programmatic, legislative, and policy action items. If implemented, these would improve federal efforts across the spectrum of biodefense activities – prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection and surveillance, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation. -
Laboratory Research Is Conducted at One of Four Biosafety Levels (BSL)
Biological Safety Training Programs as a Component of Personnel Reliability Workshop Report Prepared by AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy Kavita Marfatia Berger, Ph.D. Kathryn A. Luke, Ph.D. AAAS Program on Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Mark S. Frankel, Ph.D. Jennifer L. Sta.Ana Acknowledgements About AAAS This workshop was funded by the The American Association for the Bureau of International Security and Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department world’s largest general scientific society of State. We would like to thank the and publisher of the journal, Science speakers and participants of the (www.sciencemag.org). AAAS was workshop who not only provided founded in 1848, and serves 262 valuable discussion but also contributed affiliated societies and academies of to the workshop report. We want to science, reaching 10 million individuals. especially thank Susan Piguet from the Science has the largest paid circulation Frontline Foundation, who was of any peer-reviewed general science invaluable during the organization of the journal in the world, with an estimated workshop, and Gigi Kwik Gronvall, total readership of 1 million. The non- Ph.D. (Center for Biosecurity of profit AAAS (www.aaas.org) is open to UPMC), Paul Meechan, Ph.D. (Merck all and fulfills its mission to “advance and Co., Inc.), and Julie Fischer, Ph.D. science and serve society” through (Stimson Center) who all provided initiatives in science policy; international valuable comments on the draft report. programs; science education; and more. AAAS would also like to acknowledge For the latest research news, log onto Mary Kate Mohlman, Vivian Cheng, EurekAlert!, www.eurekalert.org, the Meghan Cunningham, Stephanie Heath, premier science-news web site, a service Cristina Kapustij, Janet Kim and Idalia of AAAS. -
The Sunshine Project
the sunshine project Key: High Containment Labs and Other Facilities of the US Biodefense Program This map shows existing biosafety level three and four facilities used in US biodefense research, as well as planned biodefense labs. It also shows important aerosol facilities and open air testing locations used in biodefense. BSL-3/4 facilities not known to be heavily dedicated to biodefense are not indicated here. Operational BSL-4 Facilities (Major) Planned / Under Construction BSL-3 Facilities USAMRIID Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland Tufts University, Grafton, Massachusetts DCLS "Biotech Six", Richmond, Virginia UMD of New Jersey, Newark Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia (x2) University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston University of Maryland, Baltimore Southwest Fdtn for Biomed. Res., San Antonio, TX George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia University of Lousiville, Kentucky Planned / Under Construction BSL-4 Facilities Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts Medical University Of South Carolina, Charleston NIH Integrated Res. Fac., Frederick, Maryland University of Georgia, Athens DHS NBACC (Phase 1), Frederick, Maryland Scripps Institute, Palm Beach County, Florida USAMRIID (Phase 1), Frederick, Maryland University of Alabama at Birmingham USDA Planned Facility, Frederick, Maryland University of Tennessee at Memphis Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Tulane Primate Center, Covington, Louisiana Rocky Mountain Labs, Hamilton, Montana University of Missouri, Columbia Operational BSL-3 Facilities University of Iowa, Iowa City (RCE planning) Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USDA / Iowa State University, Ames, IA Cornell University, Ithaca, New York Argonne National Lab, Argonne, Illinois DHS / USDA Plum Island, New York Agricultural Biosecurity Ctr., Manhattan, Kansas CALSPAN-UB, Buffalo, New York Univ.