Reference no: EM133748907

Instructions

Part A. We have covered the issues of operation "Curveball", the prior state sponsored bioweapon program in South Africa, and even the potential leak of COVID from a Chinese lab and how human intelligence has been ineffective at identifying a biothreat or bioweapons program until later, in some cases years later. What are the challenges faced by intelligence agencies including, but not limited to, inspection regimes in collecting and analyzing information about biological weapons programs conducted by states and by terrorist groups? Use historical and contemporary examples to support your analysis. Propose two recommendations with descriptions for how the United States could improve its intelligence on biological warfare or bioterrorism programs (while there are not absolute correct recommendations - these need to be thoughtful, evidence-supported into how they might improve our detection).

Part B. First, provide an overview of the use of biological agents by the Rajneesh cult in The Dalles, a small town in Oregon in 1984. Now, remembering your role as a member of Public Health Department from the mid-term exam, address this "bioattack". What were the gaps in biosecurity that allow this largest biological attack on the US homeland and caused the significant delay in identifying this as an intentional attack and not an accidental or natural event? Based on these gaps, what were the three most important lessons learned relating to science, medicine, public health, law enforcement and homeland security from this use of biological agents? To what extent do you believe current biodefense strategies, programs and policies reflect these lessons and what specific changes to our biodefense efforts and policies?