Countering Biological Threats

In response to a request from the U.S. Congress, this book examines how the unique experience and extensive capabilities of the Department of Defense (DOD) can be extended to reduce the threat of bioterrorism within developing countries outside the former Soviet Union (FSU). During the past 12 years, DOD has invested $800 million in reducing the risk from bioterrorism with roots in the states of the FSU. The program's accomplishments are many fold. The risk of bioterrorism in other countries is too great for DOD not to be among the leaders in addressing threats beyond the FSU.Taking into account possible sensitivities about a U.S. military presence, DOD should engage interested governments in about ten developing countries outside the FSU in biological threat reduction programs during the next five years. Whenever possible, DOD should partner with other organizations that have well established humanitarian reputations in the countries of interest. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization should be considered as potential partners.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummaryIntroduction1 Security Context for Geographical Expansion of the BiologicalThreat Reduction Program of the Department of Defense2 Capacities of Developing Countries to Counter Biological Threats3 Applicability of Biological Threat Reduction Approaches in theFormer Soviet Union to Other Developing Countries4 Biosecurity-Related Activities of Other Organizations5 Policy and Program Coordination and Integration6 RecommendationsAppendixesAppendix A: Presenters at Committee MeetingsAppendix B: Organizations that Provided Background InformationAppendix C: Summary Reports of Field VisitsAppendix D: Organizations Considered by the Biological ThreatReduction Program as Stakeholders in the ProgramAppendix E: Selected Department of Defense Entities with RelevantProgramsAppendix F: Selected U.S. Government Departments and Agencies withRelevant ProgramsAppendix G: Activities of International OrganizationsAppendix H: International Health RegulationsAppendix I: Selected FoundationsAppendix J: Interagency International Bio-Engagement Working GroupAppendix K: Relevant StudiesAppendix L: Biographies of Committee Members