Bioterrorism is defined as the deliberate or threatened use of bacteria, viruses or toxins to cause disease, death, disruption or fear. Biological weapons have distinct advantages over traditional weapons. Attacks can be made against a large area in a short period of time using aerosolized biological agents. The detection of the biological release would most likely be delayed since these agents are odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Today, experts predict the most likely method of biological attack would be a large-scale use of an aerosolized agent that may or may not be contagious. The diseases produced by biological agents all present very similar symptoms. In the beginning, symptoms are usually non-specific and flu-like, which makes early diagnosis difficult.