The next generation of machines designed to sniff the air for biological threats may be required to detect pathogens currently unknown to science, a Department of Homeland Security official said.
The BioWatch program has gone through several iterations since it was first deployed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. It is the only federally managed bio-surveillance program designed to detect the intentional release of biological agents in the air. It is currently deployed in more than 30 high-risk metropolitan areas, and for special events such as the SuperBowl or national political party conventions.
The first generation of sniffers was widely criticized because it required operators to retrieve the air filters and bring them back to a lab, where results could not be ascertained for several days. Subsequent “lab-in-a-box” versions are doing the test automatically.
Diane Berry, BioDefense advisor to DHS’ office of health affairs, said the next-generation environmental bio-monitoring system will have to detect “unanticipated threats.” This is a necessary step in a world where biologically engineered viruses are possible.
“Our goal is to expand the capability to detect more agents as warranted by risk — including unknown agents — more cities than are currently covered and at lower cost than existing detection systems,” Berry said at a Heritage Foundation homeland security seminar.
“We are actually thinking about the technologies we’re going to need to address the biological threats coming down the road,” she added. “We are working on building a layered capability that will enhance our security against known, unknown, engineered or emerging biological threats.”
BioWatch currently looks for known and well-characterized threats that have the largest potential to do harm to society, she said. The next-generation system will have to not only detect previously unidentified pathogens but tell investigators whether they are contagious or antibiotic resistant.
Furthermore, program officials want a system that does not have to remain in a fixed location. The office is looking at developing mobile detectors.
The proposed system will need to integrate with other federal, state, local and private sector bio-detection systems, she said. To that end, the office is defining standards for the equipment and providing purchasing guidance for nonfederal programs. The plan is to take all the federal, local and private-sector bio-detection programs and create a nationwide detection network.
“In a resource constrained environment, detection systems can’t be placed everywhere,” Berry said.
Sharing information across domains — such as the veterinary world — will also be critical to help identify, track and respond to biological threats, she added.