A prospective weapon of bioterrorism was sent on accident.

Anthrax, an infectious disease, was sent to labs throughout the United States, and several other countries. It is caused by a bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis, that is exposed to humans from infected animals or contaminated animal products. It can be found in the soil, and can easily affect domestic and wild animals, causing it to spread.

When the spores enter a body of an animal or person, they “activate” making them into actively growing cells. Because of this, they can then multiply and reproduce, creating toxins within the body. This could lead to death, or severe illness. However, anthrax is very rare. Even so, issues concerning the disease have come up here and there for the past 12 years.

In perspective, 2001 anthrax spores were attached to postage stamps that were mailed, killing five people, and contaminating 17 others. Consequently, it is concerning that live anthrax was sent to labs. The reason why it would be a successful weapon of bioterrorism is attributed to the disease’s near invincibility.  The spores are usually found in nature, so they are easy to harvest and culture in labs. In addition, anthrax could be released to the public without knowing; almost as a silent disaster waiting to happen.

The spores can be put into food, water, and powders. One worst case scenario is the ability to release anthrax spores from some type of transportation vehicle such as a plane or a truck because then the anthrax spores could be blown around, thus resulting in a higher rate of exposure. Anthrax is typically found in agricultural regions, because of its origination in the soil. Areas like Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean are likely regions where anthrax can be found.

It is found in 194 labs in various locations such as Japan, UK, Korea, Australia,  Canada, Italy, Germany, and many more.