A biological agent is an infectious disease. They can be naturally occurring
or be used in biological warfare. There are more than 1200 different kinds
of biological agents, some of which can be used as biological weapons.
The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has divided the agents
which can be used as biological weapons into three categories, Category A, B,
and C.
CATEGORY A
Though these agents are rarely seen in the United States, we must prepare for them
because they pose the greatest risk to our national security.
Specifically they: can be easily transmitted from person to person;
result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public
health impact; might cause public panic and social disruption; and require
special action for public health preparedness.
The CDC has classified 6 biological agents as Category A. They are listed below.
Anthrax/Smallpox/Botulism/Plague/Tularemia/Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
CATEGORY B
The CDC states these agents are the second highest priority. These are agents that:
are moderately easy to disseminate;
result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates; and
require specific enhancements of CDC's diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease surveillance.
Examples of these are Salmonella, Typhus, and Ricin.
CATEGORY C
Third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be
engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of availability;
ease of production and dissemination; and
potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact.
Included in this category are emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus and hantavirus.
