Increasingly over the past few years I have been asked to define biosecurity and to provide cost estimates for implementing a biosecurity program. Prima facially, the answer would appear to be quite elementary, but when one really examines the challenges to producing a comprehensive yet understandable response, it is not so forthcoming. The definitions for the term "biosecurity," to date have been structured and promulgated in a distinctly narrow fashion, wholly encased by the individual scope and mission of the definer. Some examples attributed to traditional security professionals clearly describe biosecurity as "physical security" for a laboratory facility. This concept is obviously narrow but a widely accepted description within that community.The science and public health professionals have tended to define "biosecurity" as physically protecting against the release of Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSATs) and/or Valuable Biological Materials (VBMs) into the laboratory or into the community and the security that would surround the appropriate response. The biosafety professional's definition leans in that philosophical direction as well. In many laboratories, biosecurity is an adjunct to the bio-safety management job description and laboratory function which, at times, also contributes to the confusion. All these points of view have merit and are consistent with how we have typically managed and operated biological facilities both in the United States and abroad. Biosecurity is a relatively new term which is the primary reason that many practitioners are wrestling to understand and embrace this emerging specialty. The lack of a precise and universal definition is the key to unraveling the mystery. Following is my contribution to the definition of "biosecurity." It aligns with the WHO Biorisk Management concept which emphasizes sound risk avoidance and the minimization of exposure to universal and individual threats.
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