Preventing and Detecting the Next Biological Threat

Why It Matters

Failing to modernize and coordinate biosurveillance risks severe consequences for national security, the economy and public health; timely federal action and sustained international cooperation are essential to detect and contain the next inevitable biological threat.

Summary

U.S. defenses against biological threats are lagging as advances in AI and biotechnology make development of pathogens faster, cheaper and more accessible. Biosurveillance systems remain chronically underfunded and technologically outdated, leaving detection and containment efforts too slow to meet escalating natural, accidental and malicious risks. Fragmented federal leadership and unclear roles among government, academia and the private sector hinder coordination and sustained prevention efforts. Policymakers are urged to modernize and integrate biosurveillance, clarify responsibilities, and preserve international data-sharing to avert the next biological incident.

Original Description

Sophia Hirshfield breaks down why biological threats are rising, what challenges the United States faces in preventing bioincidents, and what steps can be taken to keep Americans safe.

Product of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab

Produced by Safa Morrison

---------------------------------------------

A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world.

Visit https://www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges.

Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve

Follow CSIS on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/