Vector

Glossary

ANTHRAX: An infectious and usually fatal disease of warm-blooded animals, particularly sheep, goats, and other ruminants, that can, on occasion, be transmitted to humans. Human-to-human spread generally does not occur. By common usage, anthrax also refers to the causative agent, Bacillus anthracis. This bacteria is present in soil worldwide. Anthrax is well suited as a bioweapon because it is capable of forming hardy spores that can remain stable for decades. The deadliest form of this disease occurs when the spores are inhaled and germinate in the lungs. Death can be rapid.

BIOTERRORISM: The threat or actual use of a bioweapon to cause widespread terror and/or mayhem, often deployed to exact revenge or promote an ideological agenda.

BIOWEAPON: A biological weapon of mass destruction composed of living organisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) or the products of such organisms.

BOTULINUM TOXIN: A toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, exerting its effect by interrupting nerve cell function. Clostridial neurotoxins have the dubious distinction of being the most poisonous substances known to science. These toxins can be ingested, inhaled, or injected to exert their deadly effect. It is estimated that less than a pound (or less than a half kilogram) would be enough to kill every man, woman, and child on earth.

TOXIN: A poisonous substance produced by a living organism.

WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION (WMD): A nuclear, chemical, or biological weapon capable of killing or incapacitating tens of thousands or even millions of people and/or destroying vast areas.