The bio-security agent information cards app provides students, scientists and healthcare providers with information on the 10 biological agents that are widely used in biological research. Each card is designed to highlight one biological agent and its related bio-security concerns. The information on the cards is focused and concise, decreasing the time needed to find or learn relevant information. The cards are designed to be informative to individuals, from the lay person as well as the entry level - experienced practitioners engaged in the pursuit of careers in the biological or medical technology and sciences, for familiarization and as a ready resource to aspects of the bio-terror threat.
The initial five biowarfare agents are:
Bacillus anthracis, Anthrax
Variola major, Smallpox
Yersinia pestis, Plague
Francisella tularensis, Tularemia
Ebola virus sp, Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
The initial five model organisms are:
Escherichia coli
Halobacterium sp.
Lactobacillus sp
Acinetobacter sp.
Human Adenovirus
The app was jointly developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
The FBI is charged to protect and defend the United States. The FBI recognizes the importance of scientific progress and the development and peaceful dissemination of beneficial technology. It is mandated with protecting the scientific community by enforcing the laws preventing the use of biological agents as a weapon or the possession of biological materials without being reasonably justified by a prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purpose. [U.S. Code Title 18 Section 175(a),(b)]
The FAS and its biosecurity program are devoted to the belief that scientists, engineers, and other technically trained people have the ethical obligation to ensure that the technological fruits of their intellect and labor are applied to the benefit of humankind.
For more information please visit:
www.fas.org/programs/bio/index.html
www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/terrorism/wmd