Biothreats

Biothreats refer to potential hazards posed by biological agents or materials that could cause disease, disruption, or harm to people, animals, plants, or ecosystems. They encompass natural, accidental, and deliberate threats. A biothreat can spread through person-to-person transmission, vectors, or environmental exposure and may result in illness, severe outcomes, and economic or social disruption. Public health and security communities monitor biothreats to protect health, maintain essential services, and deter misuse of biological agents.

Natural threats arise from emerging or re-emerging pathogens, seasonal outbreaks, and vector-borne diseases such as influenza, coronaviruses, or dengue. Accidental threats can stem from laboratory incidents, manufacturing errors, or failures in healthcare settings. Deliberate threats involve the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents by individuals, organizations, or state actors to maximize harm or intimidation. Across these categories, threats may vary in scope, mode of transmission, and required response, but all share potential to cause illness and disruption.

Response and governance rely on early detection, surveillance, and rapid diagnostics, as well as clinical care, vaccination, and infection control. Preparedness plans include stockpiles, mutual aid agreements, and trained responders. International and national frameworks, such as the Biological Weapons Convention and biosafety regulations, aim to reduce risk by prohibiting misuse and strengthening oversight. Challenges include misinformation, rapid global travel, dual-use research concerns, and disparities in public health capacity that affect detection, containment, and recovery.