Assignment: The Threat of Bio-terrorism

There has been considerable attention to the threat of bio-terrorism following the unsuccessful bio-terrorism attacks by Aum Shinrikio in Japan in the early 1990's and the anthrax mailings in the United States in Fall 2001. The threat of bio-terrorism has been posed as a major homeland security problem that requires substantial investment to address. This is a controversial topic in many respects, as naturally occurring infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS continue to be major health threats resulting in many deaths each year while few people have died as a result of deliberate spreading of disease.

Reading

Select two articles that have different viewpoints on the threat of bio-terrorism from the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database

a.) Go to the Columbia College Library website and access the Opposing Viewpoints in Context webpage. Search for "bioterrorism." Read the topic introduction on "bioterrorism" then select two papers that reflect different viewpoints on the importance of preparing for the threat of bioterrorism.

In a few paragraphs, summarize the arguments presented in each article. Draw conclusions regarding the seriousness of the bioterrorism threat. Use facts from your reading, reference those facts to support those conclusions. Cite your references in proper American Psychological Association format."