Botulism is a Class A bioterrorism agent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. public health system and primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address various biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. High-priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to national security because they:

• Can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person.
• Result in high mortality rates, have the potential for major public health impact.
• Might cause public panic and social disruption.
• Require special action for public health preparedness.3

References
1.Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Bioterrorism, Anthrax What You Need to Know, http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist-category.asp, Retrieved Oct-27-2009