From ethics to tactics: about bioterrorism from a veterinarians point of view

Threat of bioterrorism is becoming a near future threat in space and time. This is an unavoidable consequence of increasing socio-economic tension and globalisation. Food chain, as a critical infrastructure, is vulnerable, that is why veterinarians have an especially high responsibility in preparation of the society to the bioterror attacks and in realisation of measures to minimise the consequences of these terrorist acts. Increasing probability of use of biological agents as weapons in hand of terrorists induces considerable changes in traditional principle and practice of scientific research and publication: the centuries old paradigm of academic freedom may be subordinated to the long-run demand of communities security. There is a high demand for discussion, as well as harmonised principles and actions of different professions how to identify the most vulnerable parts of food chain, and what kind of measures are necessary to minimise the losses and damages in case of a possible terrorist attack.