Advances in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: Implications for the Development of New Biological Warfare Agents
Abstract
The conferees on the FY96 National Defense Authorization Conference noted with concern that the recent progress in biotechnology could potentially lead to the development of new biological warfare (BW) agents and capabilities among potential adversaries of the United States. This report provides information to the Congressional defense committees on: 1) the national security threats posed by such potential developments of new agents through advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering; 2) recommendations related to reducing the impact of progress in these areas; 3) the utility of increased emphasis on research and development of medical countermeasures related to mid-term or far-term biowarfare threat agents; and 4) other measures that could reduce the threat of these technological advances and reduce the threat of biological agent and weapons proliferation. Acquisition of biotechnology and biological weapons capabilities is considerably easier than was the case in the 1940s and 1950s. There has been an explosion in biotechnologies and genetic engineering technologies all of which have legitimate civilian applications which may enable proliferation. As Gordon Oehler, Director of DCI's Non-Proliferation Center, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, March 27, 1996, we see a continuing pursuit by many countries to acquire chemical and biological weapons. The chilling reality is that these materials and technologies are more accessible now than at any other time in history. This report focuses on these issues and provides the basis for more detailed discussion of funding and program priorities, particularly in the area of medical biological defense research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA447681
Entities
Organizations
- United States Assistant Secretary of Defense