The Wildlife Center of Virginia is developing a national surveillance network that will look for evidence of bioterrorism in wild animals.
WAYNESBORO, Va. — The Wildlife Center of Virginia is developing a national surveillance network that will look for evidence of bioterrorism in wild animals.
Officials say there are already systems in place to monitor humans and domestic animals for diseases that could be linked to terrorism -- and "Project Tripwire" would be the first comprehensive effort to monitor wildlife for signs of bioterrorism.
Last month, the Center entered into a six-month contract with the Institute for Defense and Homeland Security to work on planning for a database. The database would initially link 20 to 25 of North America's largest wildlife hospitals.
Any diseases found in wildlife that could be suspicious would be reported to the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The planning phase of the project is expected to be finished by September.
Source: Associated Press
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