What CDC is Doing to Prepare for an Anthrax Attack

CDC is working with other federal agencies and health departments across the country to prepare for an anthrax attack. Activities include:

• Providing funds and guidance to help health departments strengthen their abilities to respond to all types of public health incidents and build more resilient communities.
• Providing training in emergency response for the public health workforce and healthcare providers, as well as leaders in the public and private sector.
• Coordinating response activities and providing resources to health departments through the CDC Emergency Operations Center.
• Regulating the possession, use, and transfer of biological agents and toxins that could pose a severe threat to public health and safety through the CDC Select Agent Program.
• Promoting science and practices to strengthen preparedness and response activities.
• Ensuring that the United States has enough laboratories that can quickly conduct tests when anthrax is suspected.
• Working with hospitals, laboratories, emergency response teams, and health-care providers to make sure they have the medicine and supplies they would need if an anthrax attack occurred.
• Developing guidance to protect the health and safety of workers who would be responding during an anthrax emergency.