Final answer:
Bioterrorism includes the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or toxins, spreading through various means and causing public health threats. The CDC classifies these agents with biosafety levels, notably category A agents like anthrax, tularemia, and plague, for their severe impact on public health and security. Instances such as the 2001 anthrax letters in the U.S. have underscored the seriousness of bioterrorism threats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bioterrorism refers to the deliberate release or dissemination of biological agents like viruses, bacteria, or toxins. These categories of bioterrorism agents could spread through the air, water, food, or direct contact with human skin.
There have been instances in the United States where such agents were used, such as the anthrax attacks in 2001 where spores of Bacillus anthracis were sent through the mail.
Bioterrorism is recognized as a security threat worldwide, prompting governments to perform drills to protect the population and first responders from biological threats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established classifications for infectious agents into four biosafety levels and also identifies category A agents, which include anthrax, tularemia, and plague, due to their high potential for large scale disruption and mortality.
The United Nations also recognizes potential agents of bioterrorism like anthrax, and efforts continue to prevent the misuse of such biological substances as weapons.