Bioterrorism Cons

Proposed Solution:
There is an undeniable risk of the United States’ vulnerability from bioterrorism. The potential Armageddon looms very large with the limited tools that currently exist. As of today, laboratories that are researching biological viruses and their accompanied cures, if any, aren’t being as safeguarded as they should be. Extremists with the intent on stealing such bacterium will easily find ways to intercept their target virus and transform it into a biological weapon. For example, in 2001, a large sample of Anthrax, a deadly spore like virus, was sent across the United States, with fatal results. It was shown that one half a teaspoon of Anthrax powder releases twenty million deadly spores. Measures to eliminate this possibility
Most individuals oppose the idea of extensive government surveillance, but it is crucial to an immediate reaction against the risk of a bioterrorism threat. Normal Pentium chip surveillance cannot foresee an incoming bioterrorist attack that’s about to unfold around the world, so comprehensive bioterrorism surveillance needs to be integrated with “human resources, laboratory resources, and information management in innovative, legal, and acceptable ways that allow for early detection and characterization of threats”(Kelly 1). Well-equipped laboratory surveillance minimizes the possibility of a potential break in resulting in stolen contagions, or the possibility of human error when dealing with said substances. Technologically advanced defense surveillance systems that can detect small outbreaks and people affected are still currently in the works and would most likely fashion as a system of systems type of surveillance technology. Currently, the only machine that can detect biohazards in the United States is the BioWatch system. Although the idea is fundamentally correct when trying to prevent bioterrorism, the system fails sadly by misreading biological samples, ultimately “crying wolf”(LA Times). New technology that is actually capable of detecting small traces of what could lead to huge catastrophes, in regards to bioterrorism, without the chance of
Improved communication between scientists in laboratories and law enforcement can ultimately deter a bioterrorist’s plot. The corresponding law enforcement should be educated about microbiological issues to ensure that the care in which the bacterium is handled is correct. This can be done by integrating the scientific community with central intelligence to educate law enforcement, as well as implementing these teachings into universities so that graduate school scientists and bioscience researchers can be fully equipped with up to speed information regarding specific threats and the ability to disseminate the information to proper channels. Policies within labs containing viruses are essential due to the growing concern about who should have the authority to access certain biological materials, scientific equipment, and information regarding numerous select agents. After surveying the biodefense department’s readiness to ensure the public will be safe from a bioterrorist threat, the CDC concluded that laboratories have to be more strictly regulated due to the fact that “it is crucial that as much information as possible be in the hands of the biomedical community so that scientists can conduct the type of research that is necessary to build a strong biodefense arsenal”(Knobler 1). With stringent laws enacted, a more