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About the Biothreat Response Team
The Biothreat Response Team is responsible for conducting epidemiological investigations of reports of select bioterrorism agents (e.g. anthrax, botulism, smallpox, VHFs) and other high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) or special pathogens*.
Key Functions
The Biothreat Response Team:
- Provides ongoing subject matter expertise (SME) consultation related to biothreat agents and special pathogens to other public health programs, first responder agencies, hospitals and the community as needed.
- Participates in the development of training and planning efforts for biothreat agents and special pathogen response exercises, drills and activities.
- Responds, as indicated, to the field or hospitals for the assessment, evaluation, and epidemiological investigation of suspected biothreats and special pathogens.
- Participates and collaborates with the Consortium of Technical Responders (CTR), a multi-agency collaborative of agencies comprised of members from the LAPD, LAC Sheriff, DPH, Fire Hazmat, US Customs and Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, FBI, and US Postal Inspectors.
- Collaborates with the Joint Intelligence Regional Center (JRIC), which is composed of public health, fire services, law enforcement, FBI and US Department of Homeland Security to share and analyze information, disseminate intelligence, and assist with the coordination of resources for a unified response to a terrorism event.
*Novel or reemerging infectious agents that are easily transmitted from person-to-person, have limited or no medical countermeasures (such as an effective vaccine or prophylaxis), have a high mortality, require prompt identification and implementation of infection control activities (for example, isolation, special personal protective equipment), and require rapid notification to public health authorities and special action. Examples of high-consequence infectious diseases or special pathogens include Ebola, Marburg or other viral hemorrhagic fever diseases and Nipah. Pathogens that fit these criteria may change, however, to reflect current regional or global outbreaks or to include future emerging agents.
Diseases of Interest
Bioterrorism Resources
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
