Fact Sheet Released by the U.S. Delegation to the 5th Review Conference of the BWC Geneva, Switzerland November 14, 2002 U.S. Efforts to Combat the Biological Weapons Threat The biological weapons (BW) threat is real,
growing, extremely dangerous, and evolving rapidly with the pace of
technology. In the past year, significant progress has been made to combat
the threat. This fact sheet outlines some of the steps the United States
has taken, nationally, plurilaterally, and multilaterally, to make it more
difficult for countries or terrorist groups to develop and/or acquire
biological weapons. It also outlines measures that the United States has
endorsed to facilitate detection and response to an attack using
biological weapons.
National Efforts The USA Patriot Act, signed in October 2001, provides national
security and Federal law enforcement officials with enhanced tools to
better counter terrorist activities in three areas: The U.S. Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and
Response Act, June 2002, enhances controls on dangerous biological
agents and toxins that could pose a threat to public health and safety.
The Act requires: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services dedicated $1
billion to upgrade U.S. public health system’s capability to counter
bioterrorism. HHS has established a program focused on: Plurilateral Efforts In May 2002, NATO’s Defense Group on Proliferation set forth a
series of mutually-supporting initiatives designed to: In June 2002, Australia Group members adopted tougher export
measures to better control items which could be used to produce BW,
including adding controls on the transfer of information and knowledge
that could aid BW proliferation. AG members: In June 2002, G-8 members announced the "G-8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction." The
U.S. pledged $10 billion to enhance key U.S. nonproliferation projects in
the former Soviet Union. Key BW-related projects include securing
pathogens, employing former weapons scientists, and enhancing export
controls and border security. The U.S. urged other G-8 states to donate
$10 billion over 10 years hence the name "10+10 over 10." The Ottawa Group (G-7 Ministers of Health plus Mexico’s Minister
of Health) have met periodically since September 11, 2001 to explore
ways to strengthen collaborative efforts to better prepare for and counter
bioterrorist threats. The Group will meet again in December to discuss
and make decisions on: Multilateral Efforts In May 2002, World Health Organization (WHO) members agreed to
strengthen health surveillance systems to detect any possible BW
attack and improve international response to stop any resultant
outbreak. WHO members agreed to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will support the
extension of an early warning surveillance network to an international
capability. Epidemiologists will be positioned in population centers
around the world. Their role will be to provide early warning by reporting
the detection, diagnosis, and mitigation of illness and injury caused by
biological or chemical terrorism. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has developed an action plan to
improve border security by strengthening members’ inspections of
international cargo traffic. International Maritime Organization (IMO) has an effort to stop the
shipping of biological agents for hostile purposes and to criminalize the
use of biological weapons on maritime vessels. In December 2002, IMO
members will consider new regulations to enhance ship and port
security. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) members
recently affirmed their collective commitment to battle terrorism. |
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