Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch (BSPB) - Mission Statement

1.  Provides assistance in control of endemic and epidemics disease, and exploits opportunities to improve control and prevention of bacterial zoonotic diseases and mycobacterium infections other than tuberculosis;
2. Provides subject matter expertise for preparedness and emergency response for anthrax, brucellosis, melioidosis, and glanders;
3. Provides reference and diagnostic activities for agents causing these diseases and for the identification of unknown bacterial isolates associated with human diseases;
4. Conducts laboratory research for improved laboratory identification and subtyping of bacterial zoonoses and identification of novel bacterial pathogens;
5. Develops, implements, and evaluates domestic and international prevention strategies for these diseases;
6. Maintains WHO Collaborating Centers for epidemiology and laboratory research of bacterial zoonotic diseases; and
7. Collaborates with other CDC NCs, NCZVED divisions, state and federal agencies, Ministers of Health, WHO, PAHO, private partners and other governmental organizations involved in public health.