Bioterrorism   What is Bioterrorism? Different from biologic warfare which attempts to kill, bioterrorism thrives on public fear, potentially immobilizing or demoralizing a population.  Bioterrorism uses Biological Agents (such as anthrax, botulism, ricin) to cause disease or death.     Are rural Kansans at risk for Bioterrorism?   While the risk for bioterrorism (BT) is not considered to be high for any individual, it is believed that it will happen sometime.  Being prepared for BT helps us prepare for other disease outbreaks and accidents.  Also, not all bioterrorism would target people directly, rather animals, and thereby impacting our economic base in farming communities.  Agri-terrorism Is a concern for Kansas, especially Foreign Animal Disease.  Purposeful infection of livestock operations by diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (not to be confused with the human form of Foot and Mouth Disease) poses a serious concern.  For more information on Foreign Animal Disease visit the Kansas Animal Health Department at http://www.accesskansas.org/kahd/general/emergency_planning.html . United State Department of Agriculture also has information at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/highlights/section3/section3-13.html   Zoonotic Disease     Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to man are called Zoonotic Disease .  These diseases have potentially serious consequences in humans.  Most are rarely seen in the U.S. so if they occur, it is important to locate the source and those who may have been in contact with anyone who is ill from the disease.  These may be used for terrorism.     Does bioterrorism threaten our food supply?   There have been incidents in the United States where chemicals or disease agents have been used to cause harm.  In 1984, a cult in Oregon contaminated the salad bars in the town with salmonella in an attempt to prevent an election from occurring.  Over 750 people became ill from this action and 45 were hospitalized.   For more information on Food Safety: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/bioterr.html   http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/foodsafety/