Biosecurity
Ebola, smallpox, anthrax and many others: the most dangerous microorganisms are strictlyregulated in the United States. The federal government oversees use of 65 so-called select agents with “the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products.” Before scientists can work with them to learn more, find cures or create vaccines, they must meet a long list of conditions. The goal is to keep deadly infectious agents safely under lock and key, where they can’t threaten the general population or fall into the wrong hands.
Ebola, smallpox, anthrax and many others: the most dangerous microorganisms are strictlyregulated in the United States. The federal government oversees use of 65 so-called select agents with “the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products.” Before scientists can work with them to learn more, find cures or create vaccines, they must meet a long list of conditions. The goal is to keep deadly infectious agents safely under lock and key, where they can’t threaten the general population or fall into the wrong hands.
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