Intergovernmental preparedness and response to potential catastrophic biological terrorism.

The 20th century is replete with examples of the use of biological weapons in times of war. Today, it is only a matter of time before terrorists find a way to develop and deploy biological weapons as well. Because of the narrow window of opportunity in which treatment and prophylaxis can positively affect the outcome of those exposed to and infected by biological weapons, aggressive public health surveillance is the best early defense. A casualty management and mass prophylaxis campaign will require coordination at all levels of government involving many agencies.