Biological terrorism. Conceptual computer artwork of an opened envelope releasing spores (yellow), representing the use of biological pathogens in terrorism. These can include bacteria and viruses, as well as fungi and protozoa. They could be natural, or they could be genetically modified strains designed to have the maximum impact on the target population. Some of the diseases that would be particularly deadly to a human population are ebola, anthrax, botulism, smallpox and bubonic plague. Anthrax spores (as a white powder) were sent through the US postal service in 2001. Five people died as a result.
