How many categories of bioterrorism are classified by the CDC?
three categories
Bioterrorism agents can be separated into three categories, depending on how easily they can be spread and the severity of illness or death they cause. Category A agents are considered the highest risk and Category C agents are those that are considered emerging threats for disease.
What are the different categories of bioweapons?
Biological weapons are a subset of a larger class of weapons referred to as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which also includes chemical, nuclear, and radiological weapons….Category A agents include the following:
- anthrax.
- botulism.
- plague.
- tularemia.
- smallpox.
- viral hemorrhagic fevers.
What are the three categories of bioterrorism agents?
Category A agents are considered the highest risk and the highest priority. Category B agents are the second highest priority. Category C agents are the third highest priority and include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass spread in the future.
What are the categories of potential bioterrorism agents?
Agents/Diseases
- Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
- Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)
- Plague (Yersinia pestis)
- Smallpox (variola major)
- Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers, including. Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg) Arenaviruses (Lassa, Machupo)
What are the criteria used in the CDC classification of bioterrorism agents?
The US CDC biological agents biodefense evaluation criteria include: (1) can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person; (2) result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impacts; (3) might cause public panic and social disruption; (4) require special action for public …
What are Category C biological agents?
Classification of Bioterrorism Agents Category C includes pathogens that are considered emerging infectious disease threats and which could be engineered for mass dissemination.
What are Category A agents?
Category A These high-priority agents include organisms or toxins that pose the highest risk to the public and national security: Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin) Plague (Yersinia pestis)
What biological weapons does the US have?
Over the course of its 27-year history, the program weaponized and stockpiled the following seven bio-agents (and pursued basic research on many more): Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) Francisella tularensis (tularemia) Brucella spp (brucellosis)
What are Category B biological agents?
Category B These agents are the second highest priority: Brucellosis (Brucella species) Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens. Food safety threats (e.g., Salmonella species, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shigella)
What are the four risk groups?
The four Risk Groups only apply to microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). For animals, plants, and other multicellular organisms, there are different safety guidelines. Please consult with your advisor or university authorities if you plan to do experiments with animals and plants.