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Bangladesh says anthrax outbreak is under control
by Rita Uplend on September 1, 2010

Bangladesh's health minister and resource minister have announced that the country's recent anthrax outbreak is under control.

Anthrax confirmed in Russia's Republic of Dagestan
by Rita Uplend on August 30, 2010

Two residents of a farmstead in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan have contracted anthrax, officials have announced.

Bangladesh anthrax outbreak grows
by Rita Uplend on August 24, 2010

The human toll from an anthrax outbreak in Bangladesh continues to grow, with 12 more infections reported in Pabna and Sirajganj pushing the total number of infections to 120.

Castor bean's genome sequence published
by Rita Uplend on August 23, 2010

A research team from the J. Craig Venter Institute and the Institute of Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine has published the sequence and analysis of the castor bean, which is the source of the potential bioweapon ricin.

Smallpox vaccine delivered to national stockpile
by Rita Uplend on July 14, 2010

One million doses of the smallpox vaccine IMVAMUNE have been delivered to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile for use in the event of a smallpox bioterrorism attack on the U.S.

Anthrax scare in N.J.
by Rita Uplend on July 1, 2010

Several businesses in Lakewood, N.J., were evacuated on Monday following the reception of a threatening letter and a suspicious powder.

Documents reveal Army lab mishaps
by Rita Uplend on June 3, 2010

Documents recently released by the U.S. Army Institute of Infectious Diseases show that 57 incidents, ranging from slips on wet floors to animal bites, occurred at its Fort Detrick biodefense laboratory in Maryland, according to reports released by the Fr

Patriot Act raised cost of anthrax research, study says
by Rita Uplend on May 12, 2010

While the Patriot Act and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act made it more difficult for anyone to obtain pathogens needed to launch a bioterror attack, the acts also had a few unintentional drawbacks, according to a study released this week in the Proceedings

Burning of mustard agents at Umatilla Chemical Depot begins
by Rita Uplend on May 7, 2010

Now that several safety issues have been resolved at the Umatilla Chemical Depot, a trial burn of mustard agent chemical weapons has begun, the Tri-City (Wash.) Herald reports.

EPA's role in BioWatch significantly reduced
by Rita Uplend on May 4, 2010

The role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the BioWatch program has been significantly reduced by the agency's Office of Inspector General following a recent review.

Transient in California indicted for anthrax hoax
by Rita Uplend on May 1, 2010

A 10-count indictment has been handed down to a transient from Roseville and San Francisco accused of mailing anthrax hoax letters to federal offices.

Lawsuit over Army chemical weapons stockpile settled
by Rita Uplend on April 29, 2010

A lawsuit has been settled by state and Defense Department agencies stemming on how the Army's stockpile of chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Pueblo, Colorado are monitored.

Global bioprotection needed, experts warn
by Rita Uplend on April 26, 2010

A panel of experts told congressional staff members last week that the only means of protecting the United States from a biological attack is to institute prevention and response measures globally.

NanoInk announces new biosensors
by Rita Uplend on April 23, 2010

NanoInk, Inc., has announced that its NanoFabrication Systems Division instruments have been proven to support functionalizing biosensors with applications for biodefense.

Four star general says U.S. will be attacked in next decade
by Rita Uplend on April 22, 2010

Barry McCaffrey, a retired four-star general, warned the Joint Staff Senior Leaders at Fort Leonard Wood that "if you can make good beer, you can make low stability, poorly weaponized nerve agent or mustard agent."

Army investigators call for increased safety procedures at lab
by Rita Uplend on April 21, 2010

Army investigators have recommended laboratory safety procedures at Fort Detrick be reviewed after finding lapses following the infection of a biodefense worker with tularemia.

More delays at new Homeland Security lab
by Rita Uplend on April 20, 2010

One-and-a-half years after the dedication of the new Homeland Security lab at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, researchers have still not been able to move into the building.

CBRN defense spending to increase sharply
by Rita Uplend on April 15, 2010

A senior U.S. defense official has announced that funding to protect the nation against CBRN attacks will be sharply increased, AFP reports.

Army depot worker exposed to mustard gas
by Rita Uplend on April 6, 2010

A worker at Oregon's Umatilla Depot working to prep chemical weapons for destruction was injured recently by a mustard agent.

Source of European heroin anthrax infection questioned
by Rita Uplend on April 2, 2010

Questions have been raised by experts in the field of health policy and preparedness about the anthrax outbreaks in Europe that have led to 12 deaths and multiple infections.

Two more anthrax cases in Scotland
by Rita Uplend on March 11, 2010

Two more heroin addicts in Scotland are being treated for anthrax infections as part of an outbreak that has killed 10 drug users nationwide.

Congress advised on water treatment protection
by Rita Uplend on March 10, 2010

Congress has been advised by the American Water Works Association that any new chemical security legislation needs to reflect local water experts' needs to make key treatment decisions.

Human Genome Sciences' CFO resigns
by Rita Uplend on March 4, 2010

Human Genome Sciences Inc., which is developing an inhalational anthrax treatment, has announced this week that Chief Financial Officer Timothy Barabe is resigning.

Denver man arrested for mailing white powder to senators and representatives
by Rita Uplend on March 2, 2010

A Denver man suspected of mailing white powder to Colorado and Alabama senators and representatives has been arrested by the FBI.

Researchers in Missouri developing bioterror sensors
by Rita Uplend on February 25, 2010

Researchers at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center in Springfield, Missouri have announced advances in their project to create sensors that can detect anthrax, ricin and E. coli.

Indian defense minister calls for end to bioweapons, wars
by Rita Uplend on February 16, 2010

India's Defense Minister and President of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Shri AK Antony, called for an end of war to settle disputes, the destruction of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons and a call to fight terrorism.

Pentagon to announce new conflict fighting measures
by Rita Uplend on February 2, 2010

A draft of the Pentagon's new strategic outlook calls for the preparation for numerous conflicts in many styles, a radical departure from the normal shaping of the U.S. military to fight two major conventional wars simultaneously.

Senate Homeland Security Committee senator weighs in on Obama's bioterrorism announcement
by Rita Uplend on January 30, 2010

The ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee has weighed in on President Barack Obama's announcement during his State of the Union Address of a new initiative to fight bioterrorism.

President speaks of new bioterror initiative in State of the Union
by Rita Uplend on January 28, 2010

In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama promised to take steps to ensure that a faster threat is ensured against the threat of bio-terrorism.

New report sheds light on Al Qaeda's biological attack capabilities
by Rita Uplend on January 26, 2010

Years of work by Al Qaeda terrorists to acquire weapons of mass destruction and concoct methods of using them have been assessed by a retired Central Intelligence Agency officer in a newly released research paper.

Eighth anthrax death in Scotland
by Rita Uplend on January 26, 2010

An eighth heroin user in Scotland has died after becoming infected with anthrax, health officials have confirmed, and another drug user has been confirmed to be infected with the bacteria.

France issues anthrax-laced heroin warning
by Rita Uplend on January 22, 2010

At least eight people have died in Europe - seven in Scotland and one in Germany - since the beginning of December stemming from what is believed to be heroin tainted with anthrax.

Maryland approves plan for state public health lab
by Rita Uplend on January 21, 2010

A $6.45 million plan for design work for a planned state public health laboratory at East Baltimore Development, Inc.'s massive biotechnology research park has been approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works.

Second round of anthrax testing in N.H. comes up negative
by Rita Uplend on January 19, 2010

A second round of samples taken for testing from a Durham, N.H. building were a woman contracted a rare form of anthrax have returned negative for anthrax spores, New Hampshire health officials have revealed.

Biodefense industry leaders meet to discuss changes to BioShield
by Rita Uplend on January 14, 2010

Biodefense industry leaders have met to discuss how to facilitate the development and approval of products in the biodefense sector following the decision to remove funds from the BioShield Special Reserve Fund.

Grant awarded to develop quicker methods of diagnosing bioagents
by Rita Uplend on January 13, 2010

The National Institutes of Health have awarded a grant to develop quick diagnostic methods for bacterial agents requiring limited resources and personnel.

- NIH grants to aid study of smallpox
by Rita Uplend on January 5, 2010

New grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health will aid in immunological research on several diseases, including smallpox, which could be used by bioterrorists.

Defense Appropriations Act to fund biosensors
by Rita Uplend on December 24, 2009

Southwestern Pennsylvania will receive more than $24 million in funding for projects, including some to fight bioterror, as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act.

U.S. woefully unprepared for bioattack, report says
by Rita Uplend on December 17, 2009

A recent report says that the recent spread of the H1N1 flu virus in the United States has shown that the medical care system is not prepared to handle the demands that a bioterrorist act would place upon it.

Buffalo area receives funds to fight bioterror
by Rita Uplend on December 14, 2009

The Buffalo area will get federal anti-terrorism funding in the amount of $6.58 million in fiscal 2010, it has been announced.

Study to be conducted on safety of proposed KSU agro-defense facility
by Rita Uplend on December 10, 2009

Questions have been raised about the safety of Kansas State's National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility with top safety experts telling citizens there is nothing to worry about.

Howard Goldstein joins Microchip Biotechnologies, Inc.
by Rita Uplend on December 2, 2009

Howard Goldstein has been named to the position of executive vice president of commercial affairs at Microchip Biotechnologies, Inc.

Virtual world to receive real world terror alerts
by Rita Uplend on November 30, 2009

Virtual world terrorist attacks are nothing new to people who spend time playing video games but, for those living in the state of New York, video game systems could now be used to disseminate warnings about real terrorist threats as well.

DIATHERIX Labs presents single test viral and bacterial technology
by Rita Uplend on November 25, 2009

DIATHERIX's Target Enriched Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction technology allows it to test for both viral and bacterial pathogens with a single test.

Pundits push for changes in creation of vaccines
by Rita Uplend on November 24, 2009

As the swine flu epidemic continues to steam ahead, leading pundits have begun to apply lessons learned from its spread to potential bioattacks.

Danish firm gets U.S. contract for freeze-dried smallpox vaccine
by Rita Uplend on November 19, 2009

The United States will pay the Danish biotechnology firm Bavarian Nordic as much as $40 million to adopt its smallpox vaccine so that it can be freeze-dried.

Army signs agreement to roll out new biological agent detector
by Rita Uplend on November 18, 2009

Defense contractor General Dynamics and the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center have signed an agreement to work in tandem to roll out a new biological agent detector for commercial use.

Scholars argue for biodefense policy changes in new book
by Rita Uplend on November 12, 2009

Biological warfare has shaped human conflict throughout history. But the deadly anthrax-letter mailings following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks presented Americans with a threat new and terrifying.

Cornell University professor says bioweapons threat is increasing
by Rita Uplend on November 12, 2009

The critical questions that frame the understanding of biological weapons include what biological weapons threaten the U.S.; how the threats have changed after the Cold War, the Sept. 11 terror attacks and the development of biotechnology; and how to bett

Inglesby named director of UPMC’s Center for Biosecurity
by Rita Uplend on November 11, 2009

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center announced Nov. 11 that Thomas V. Inglesby is the new director and chief executive officer of the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC.

Safety procedures under review at Boston U. medical labs
by Rita Uplend on November 10, 2009

BOSTON — Sophisticated genetic fingerprinting confirmed that a laboratory experiment was the source of a bacterial infection that sickened a Boston University graduate student.

FEMA official encourages IAEM to engage the public
by Rita Uplend on November 7, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. — FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate encouraged emergency managers to treat the public as a critical partner in disaster preparation.

Emergent BioSolutions reports financial results for 3rd quarter
by Rita Uplend on November 5, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. announced Nov. 5 its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30.

Pulmatrix receives grant to develop inhaled influenza therapeutics
by Rita Uplend on November 3, 2009

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Pulmatrix, a clinical stage biotechnology company, announced Nov. 2 that it has been awarded a $2.2 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

European Commission completing plan to bolster WMD defenses
by Rita Uplend on October 30, 2009

An action plan that seeks to strengthen European Union defenses against the threat of a WMD attack is being considered for enactment by the close of 2009, Europolitics Environment reported.

BioDefense Corp., Biotest Laboratories launch Mail Safe Check
by Rita Uplend on October 28, 2009

Two companies have combined their products and created Mail Safe Check, a diagnostic tool to test incoming mail for pathogens.

Self-policing best defense against insider bioterrorism attacks
by Rita Uplend on October 19, 2009

The best defense against insider bioterrorist attacks is "a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory," according to a science panel report released Sept. 30.

Napolitano calls for increased readiness, resiliency
by Rita Uplend on October 18, 2009

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urged government, communities and citizens to become more ready and resilient to face disasters ranging from terrorism to natural disasters to diseases.

Emergent BioSolutions launches biothrax.com
by Rita Uplend on October 17, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Emergent BioSolutions has launched www.biothrax.com, a website that provides information about BioThrax, its vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection.

Lieberman laments state of preparedness
by Rita Uplend on September 15, 2009

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. He spoke to BioTerrorWatch about the need to make the United States safer from the threat of weapons of mass destruction.

Researcher proposes public-private partnership in war on terror
by Rita Uplend on September 15, 2009

Jeffrey A. Romoff spoke to BioTerrorWatch about his plan to improve the nation's capacity to develop and manufacture countermeasures critical to national and homeland security.

BioThrax receives market authorization In India, Emergent BioSolutions says
by Rita Uplend on February 12, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. announced Feb. 12, 2009, that it can market and sell BioThrax in India now that the Drugs Controller General of India has issued a registration certificate for the anthrax vaccine.

Hauer named to Emergent BioSolutions’ board of directors
by Rita Uplend on June 8, 2005

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Jerome M. Hauer, former acting assistant secretary for the Office of Public and Emergency Preparedness in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been named to its board of directors.

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