Bichat clinical guidelines for bioterrorist agents.

The deliberate release of anthrax in the United States shortly after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 brought about a radical change in people's perception of the risk of bioterrorism. These bioterrorist events, unlike others before, had a worldwide impact not only in respect of security and public health but also in other sectors. Governments and international entities with responsibilities related to maintenance of peace, security, safety and health protection reviewed urgently their political, economic, diplomatic, military and legal means to face up to such attacks and embarked upon major efforts to increase their preparedness.