Agents of Bioterror As many as 17 nations, including several the U.S. State Department considers "state sponsors of terrorism," have developed lethal biological agents as weapons of war. The list of bacteria, viruses, and toxins explored by these weapons programs is vast -- running in the dozens. We focus on eight agents that may pose the greatest threats. Most of these deadly pathogens are difficult to obtain, process, and most critically, deploy to cause mass casualties. Yet we must understand these agents -- how they would be used and the diseases they trigger -- to prepare for even the most unlikely bioterrorist attack. Anthrax   Botulism   Cholera   Glanders Plague   Q Fever   Smallpox   Tularemia Chart of the 8 agents Printer-Friendly Format   Feedback History of Biowarfare | Future Germ Defenses Interviews with Biowarriors | Global Guide to Bioweapons | Making Vaccines Resources | Teacher's Guide | Transcript | Site Map | Bioterror Home Search | Site Map | Previously Featured | Schedule | Feedback | Teachers | Shop Join Us/E-Mail | About NOVA | Editor's Picks | Watch NOVAs online | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated November 2001