Pentagon to participate in international plague vaccine effort

[The Straight Story]

Pentagon to participate in international plague vaccine effort
By David McGlinchey
[e-mail]



The Defense Department has unveiled an international effort to develop a vaccine that would protect against the plague.


Defense officials announced the project Friday and said Pentagon scientists will collaborate with military biologists from Canada, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.


Federal health officials classify plague among the deadliest biological pathogens, along with smallpox, botulism, tularemia, hemorrhagic fever and anthrax.


"Under this agreement, the three nations will work together to develop and produce a plague vaccine that will ultimately be licensed for human use," the Pentagon announcement said.

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0405/041805d1.htm