Possible biological threats for Europe

Abstract

Microbiological agents can appear in the drinking water network by accidental events like breaking the pipe and the drinking water can be contaminated with sewage or contaminated soil, or neglected procedure and handling of water treatment plant and pipe system. On the other hand bioterrorism should be considered when different biological agents like viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, toxins, chimeras and prions can be used as biological weapons. If producing biological weapons is supported by governments like in the period of cold war this term of production can be regulated and controlled by international contracts, agreements. But nowadays the main threat is bioterrorism when agreements are ineffective. The primary goal of terrorism is to erode the security of a nation, to disrupt the continuity of society, and to destroy the nation's social capital - its morale, cohesion, and values. In case only the international collaboration can decrease the efficiency of bioterrorism. © 2006 Springer.