Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism is the dissemination of viruses, bacteria, toxins, fungi, or other biological agents with the intention to harm a group of people, animals, or plants. Biological agents may be perceived as attractive weapons since they can be easily spread and can potentially cause mass panic. For instance, in 2001, letters which contained live anthrax strains were mailed to several prominent American individuals; 23 individuals were were reported to have been infected and five of these unfortunately died.