Strategies of preparedness response to biological warfare and bioterrorism threats

Abstract

Risks associated with deliberate use of biological agents against population and the needs for a strong public health system are well recognized. The potential use of biological agents is mounting every day, especially with growing political dissidence as well as social and economical conflicts in several countries. Countries in Eastern Europe have considerable vulnerability because of economical, social and political difficulties they are facing, along with inadequate response capacity and large number of outfits having continuous low intensity conflicts with established administrative system. There are no doubts that preparedness against biological weapons must be integrated in national disaster preparedness plan, as well as strengthen the core competencies of public health and other national and local authorities to respond to biological crisis, along with strong collaboration with other national agencies, like intelligence, defense and police. © 2009 Springer Science + Business Media B.V.