But to cause widespread devastation, these agents would have to be produced in mass quantities, which is beyond the capability of most terrorists. The United States has had only one reported case of biological terrorism, she said. In 1984, an Oregon religious cult spread salmonella, sickening 751, but killing none. And sometimes, Cook said, that's the point. Some of these terrorist groups are more interested in instilling fear than in killing people.
Biological terrorism offers that opportunity.