Anthrax. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is generally acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products.

Avian Flu. Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.

Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others.

Botulism. Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods. However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored by terrorists for use as biological weapons.

COVID-19. A new coronavirus that emerged from China in 2019 can cause pneumonia-like illnesses, with signs and symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Workers in childcare and healthcare facilities are among those at greatest risk for exposure to CMV, a common virus that affects tens of thousands of adults every year in the United States and is readily spread through contact with saliva and other body fluids from infected individuals.

Foodborne Disease. Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions (microscopic protein particles). Symptoms range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.

Hantavirus. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice and rats. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in infested buildings are at increased risk to this disease.

Legionnaires' Disease. Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols. It is often the result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems.

Measles. Measles is a vaccine-preventable virus that is highly contagious. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to the virus can spread it to other susceptible people. The virus can cause serious illness in children.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). MERS is a potentially fatal, emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that primarily affects the lungs and breathing passages. MERS was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and at least 25 other countries have reported confirmed cases of MERS.

Molds. Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne which may have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Plague. The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year. A bioterrorist release of plague could result in a rapid spread of the pneumonic form of the disease, which could have devastating consequences.

Ricin. Ricin is one of the most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. It has been used in the past as a bioterrorist weapon and remains a serious threat.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness causes by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Since 2004, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have not been any known cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.

Smallpox. Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. It is estimated that no more than 20 percent of the population has any immunity from previous vaccination.

Tularemia. Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever" and is extremely infectious. Relatively few bacteria are required to cause the disease, which is why it is an attractive weapon for use in bioterrorism.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs). Many VHFs including Ebola Virus Disease, and Marburg Virus Disease can cause severe, life-threatening disease with high fatality rates. Along with anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, and tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses are among agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most likely to be used as biological weapons.

Zika Virus. Zika virus is most commonly spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes in areas with ongoing viral transmission. However, it can also be passed from person to person through sharps injuries (e.g., needlesticks) and other exposures to infectious blood, body fluids, and materials. Outdoor workers in areas with active transmission, along with those in laboratories handling samples of Zika virus, remain at the greatest risk of infection.