Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Containing and Preventing Biological Threats

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism is the first book to take a holistic approach to biosecurity with coverage of pathogens, prevention and response methodology. The book is organized into four thematic sections: Part I provides a conceptual understanding of biowarfare, bioterrorism and the laws we have to counteract this; Part II investigates known bioagents and the threat from emerging diseases; Part III focuses on agricultural terrorism and food security; Part IV outlines international, US, and local initiatives for biodefense and biosecurity. Case studies illustrate biodefense against both intentional terrorism and natural outbreaks. The authors bring an extraordinary combination of experience in academia and the clinical world, as well as real-world experience in technical and practical matters, to their writing. They make technical material clear and fascinating for readers with a basic knowledge of biology. Ryan and Glarum address the hazards in the context of vulnerability assessments and the planning strategies government and industry can take to prepare for and respond to such events.

• How are these agents used in biowarfare?
• How likely are we to face either a natural outbreak or intentional human/animal infection?
• How can we prepare for this effectively?

Mr. Ryan is a retired US Army officer and currently a Professor at Jacksonville State University’s Department of Emergency Management within the Institute of Emergency Preparedness. The program provide instruction on various aspects of emergency preparedness with a focus on terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, medical aspects of emergency management, public health preparedness, biodefense, and biosecurity. His research interests are biothreat pathogen detection, agro-terrorism and the role of military forces in disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

Since 2003, Professor Ryan has also served as Managing Director of Quetzal Consulting, Inc. a private firm specializing in a wide array of consultative services related to biothreat pathogen detection, tropical diseases research, course development, diagnostics development, marketing and product management. Services are provided to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, defense contractors (SAIC, GeoCenters and EAI) and biotechnology and diagnostics companies, among others.

Jan Glarum has over 35 years of experience in the fields of EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Hospital, Public Health, and Emergency Management, including response to federally declared disasters. His experience includes an extensive background in planning, training, education and response at the local, county, regional, state and federal government levels, including Department of Defense initiatives CONUS and OCONUS. In 1999, he became a founding member of Oregon’s Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and continues his association with the team.

He has co-authored a number of books including Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, Hospital Emergency Response Teams, Pandemic Influenza and a Homeland Security Field Guide. Additionally, he has written numerous articles on emergency and disaster planning and response. He serves as a subject matter expert and speaker on emergency management, disaster planning, and has led hospital emergency response team development for hazardous materials events. He has developed a number of Incident Command System courses for hospital personnel to create operationally competent Incident Management Team members.