Accession Number:

AD1020110

Title:

Assessing the Threat of Infectious Disease to the Biosecurity of the United States

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

US Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth United States

Personal Author(s):

• Lopez, John M

Report Date:

2016-06-10

Pagination or Media Count:

100.0

Abstract:

There are four significant variables that must be considered when assessing the biosecurity threat of infectious disease to the US. Climate change, globalization, bioterrorism and policy all have a variance of impact that must be considered to prevent an outbreak of disease. Diseases such as Ebola, Zika, anthrax, and measles, have all had recent impact on the biosecurity of the US. Climate change is having an effect upon the habitat of many arthropod vectors of disease. Global travel and human migration are increasing the ranges of many infectious diseases of global significance. After the attacks of September 11th, 2001, the US has increased efforts to identify and combat bioterrorism. Health policies that address vaccinations have come under scrutiny. When diseases are assessed against the four variables, the vulnerability of public health prevention and response efforts can be assessed and identified as gaps. Once identified, gaps in biosecurity can be mitigated to prevent or lessen the impact of future outbreaks of infectious disease.

Descriptors:

• biological weapons
• weapons of mass destruction
• viruses
• public health
• disease outbreaks
• climate change
• infectious diseases
• human population
• disease vectors
• economic impact
• warfare
• globalization
• threats
• policies

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE