Recent studies have shown that multiple strains of B. Anthracis were present following the 1979 incident in the Russian city of Sverdlosvsk. This suggests, but does not prove, that the former Soviet Union was, at least, experimenting with a mixed strain Anthrax agent. Further, it is unknown if this mixed strain technology, if it actually exists, has been transferred to either Iraq or one of the other states with an active BW program. The effectiveness of the current vaccine against a mixed strain agent is presumed to be high but needs to be validated. The following points are important to remember when considering vaccines and biological warfare or terrorism.
Vaccines are an important part of the defense against biological warfare agents.
Vaccines alone will not reliably protect you from the deliberate use of a biological warfare agent. Vaccines are best used as a pre-treatment in conjunction with respiratory protection and, when necessary, post exposure treatment with antibiotics or other therapy. References Graham, Bradley. All-Force Inoculation Timetable Moved Up. And on Anthrax Vaccines.