Report details risks at biodefense lab

Findings released Monday by the National Research Council warn of a 70 percent chance the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility could accidentally release foot-and-mouth -- the very disease it's designed to fight -- and cause an outbreak at some point within a 50-year period, The Kansas City (Mo.) Star reported.

Devastating to cattle and other livestock, an outbreak of the pathogen would create between $9 billion and $50 billion in economic losses, the council's report predicted.

Defenders of the $650 million federal project criticized the review, saying it didn't take into account the many security precautions being developed to greatly limit the risk of pathogen release when the lab opens in Manhattan, Kan., in 2018.
Manhattan won over sites in several other states to get the lab, known as NBAF.

Researchers at the lab will study some of the world's worst animal germs, some of which are also dangerous to people, to safeguard the nation's food supply against natural and terrorist threats, officials say.

Last year Congress blocked funds for the lab's construction until federal authorities and the National Research Council could investigate safety concerns.

Monday's report, requested by Congress, could potentially delay the project further if Congress decides to take another look.

"It is up to policymakers to decide whether the risks are acceptable," said Ronald Atlas, a professor of biology and public health at the University of Louisville who led the National Research Council review.

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