Combating Terrorism: Observations on Biological Terrorism and Public Health Initiatives Page: 4 of 16
This text is part of the collection entitled: Government Accountability Office Reports and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
observations from our ongoing work on the science behind the biological
and chemical terrorist threat, with some focus on biological agents.
Finally, I will provide some of our overall observations on public health
initiatives that deal with a new national pharmaceutical stockpile and the
basis for selecting items to research, produce, procure, and stockpile for
civilian defense against terrorism.Summary
The U.S. intelligence community continuously assesses both the
foreign-origin and the domestic terrorist threat to the United States and
notes that, overall, conventional explosives and firearms continue to be the
weapons of choice for terrorists. Terrorists are less likely to use biological
and chemical weapons than conventional explosives, at least partly
because they are difficult to weaponize and the results are unpredictable.
However, some groups and individuals of concern are showing interest in
biological and chemical agents. The possibility that terrorists may use
biological and chemical materials may increase over the next decade,
according to intelligence agencies. While biological and chemical
terrorism is still an emerging threat, many agencies have initiated programs
and activities-with Congress' support and funding-to combat and
prepare for this threat.
We have previously reported on the value of a new, post-Cold War approach
of using sound threat and risk assessments performed by a
multidisciplinary team of experts for focusing programs and investments to
combat terrorism. Without such assessments using sound inputs and a
multidisciplinary team of experts, there is little or no assurance that
programs and spending are focused in the right areas in the right amounts.
We are looking into the scientific and practical feasibility of a terrorist or
terrorist group improvising a biological weapon or device outside a
state-run laboratory and program, successfully and effectively
disseminating biological agents, and causing mass casualties. 2 Much of the
information we have obtained is sensitive, classified, and in the early stages
of evaluation. Overall, our work to date suggests that, for the most part,
there are serious challenges at various stages of the process for a terrorist
group or individual to successfully cause mass casualties with an2We recognize that some agents are communicable and could be spread without a weapon or device.
GAOff-NSIAD-99-112
Page 2
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This text can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Text.
United States. General Accounting Office. Combating Terrorism: Observations on Biological Terrorism and Public Health Initiatives, text, March 16, 1999; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc289947/m1/4/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.