CDC Alert on Shipment of Microbial Pathogens

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the specter of terrorist activity involving the use of biological agents. CDC Director David Satcher, MD has recommended that all those who authorize the acquisition and transfer of dangerous human infectious agents increase their vigilance to minimize the risk of illicit access to infectious agents.

There is increasing concern that biological agents may be used as weapons of mass destruction by terrorists. A recent case in Ohio involving the shipment of bubonic plague bacteria to a suspicious purchaser has resulted in a congressional hearing to examine concerns surrounding the interstate shipment of human pathogens.

The CDC advisory calls for three voluntary safeguards as a first step toward strengthening regulatory and statutory protections. Dr. Satcher has called for the following:

• reviewing all requests prior to transferring pathogens and toxins, particularly any request regarding the agents causing anthrax, botulism, brucellosis, plague, Q-fever, tularemia, and any agents classified for work at Biosafety Level 4;

• determining whether agents will be used for legitimate medical and scientific purposes; and

• immediately reporting any suspicious inquiries or transactions to CDC's Office of Health and Safety, at (404) 639-3235. At night and on weekends, call the CDC Duty Officer at (404) 639-2888.