Market Segments | Bio-Terrorism

DHS plans test of bioterror attack detectors

If Congress provides the necessary funds, the Department of Homeland Security plans to run a side-by-side test of various advanced types of automated pathogen detectors in FY2009, which could shorten by 24 hours the time it takes to determine that a biological attack by terrorists is underway.

If the test is successful, DHS intends to deploy these new automated detectors more broadly across the country than the current crop of bioagent detectors which currently are placed in more than 30 of the "highest-risk urban areas," according to Jeffery Runge, the department’s assistant secretary and chief medial officer.

Runge appeared before the House Appropriations Committee’s homeland security subcommittee earlier this month to provide an update of the department’s BioWatch program and other health-related activities he oversees.

"Early detection and warning of a biological attack is essential for the rapid identification of the bioagent, which allows prophylactic treatment and prevention of casualties, provides forensic evidence to law enforcement on the source and nature of the attack, and demonstrates a spatial distribution of contamination and population exposure," Runge testified.

Taking air samples is a faster and more effective way to spot an unfolding biological attack than waiting for affected victims to turn up with symptoms at hospitals and health clinics, he explained. To date, the department’s BioWatch program has conducted "over three million air samples without a false alarm," the chief medical officer told the House subcommittee on April 1.

Early detection can save lives and reduce the economic impact of a bio-attack. "With anthrax for example," said Runge, "a one day delay in the post-exposure prophylaxis or treatment of exposed individuals could result in many thousands of unnecessary deaths."

If detected immediately, the nation could avoid $15 to $25 billion in adverse economic costs, he added. If the attack was identified one day later, those savings would be reduced to $10 to $20 billion; two days later would avoid $10 to $16 billion in costs; and three days later the cost avoidance would shrink to $5 to $7 billion.

Runge heads the department’s Office of Health Affairs (OHA), which was created by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff in March 2007. President Bush’s budget request seeks $161.3 million for OHA’s activities in FY2009, an increase of $44.8 million - a generous 28 percent hike - over the FY2008 enacted level.

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