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Appendix 14A. Enhancing bio-security: the need for a global strategy

Contents

ROGER ROFFEY AND FRIDA KUHLAU

I. Introduction

II. The increased perceived risk of bio-terrorism and enhanced international bio-security awareness

III. The concept of bio-security

IV. Infectious diseases: a threat to heath and security

V. International efforts to prevent biological weapon proliferation

VI. Conclusions: general bio-security trends

 

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Summary

Recent outbreaks of diseases—and the feared transfer of bird flu to humans—in combination with rapid developments in biotechnology have heightened the perceived risk of bioterrorism. This has emphasized the need to improve bio-security worldwide at facilities that deal with dangerous pathogens. Also required are legislation and standards to help prevent the acquisition of materials, technology and expertise by those who would use them for criminal acts such as bio-terrorism or biological warfare.

 

Roger Roffey (Sweden) is Research Director at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Division of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence.

 

Frida Kuhlau (Sweden) is a Research Associate with the SIPRI Chemical and Biological Warfare Project.

English