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Bio-response Operational Testing and Evaluation Project

 

The Bio-Response Operational Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) Project was a multi-agency effort designed to test and evaluate a complete response to a biological contamination incident - from the initial public health authorities and law enforcement reactions through environmental remediation. The scenario simulated the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis (Ba) spores, the causative agent for anthrax, inside a building. In this study, Bacillus atrophaeus spp. globigii (Bg) spores were used as a non-pathogenic surrogate for Ba spores. The BOTE Project was conducted in two distinct phases. Phase 1 was a field-level decontamination assessment. Phase 2 was an operational exercise involving key federal agencies that are responsible for the forensic investigation, public health assessment, and remediation following a biological incident.Building utilized for BOTE projectBuilding utilized for BOTE project

BOTE Project Objectives

  • Conduct and evaluate field-level application of three decontamination technologies/protocols for the cleanup of a building contaminated with Bacillus anthracis (Ba) spores, the causative agent for anthrax. Simulants of Ba spores were used.
  • Utilize newly developed biological sampling and analysis methods for the characterization of the anthrax simulant contamination (concentration and location) and the determination of decontamination efficacy.
  • Collect and analyze the results and operational information from the decontamination operation.Building utilized during BOTE project with tentingBuilding utilized during BOTE project with tenting
  • Perform a cost analysis of the complete remediation process.
  • Determine the exposure to spores associated with reentry into the building following cleanup.

Related Products

Bio-response Operational Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) Project Report and Summary

Bio-Response Operational Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) Project Video Exit Demonstration of the decontamination of a building contaminated with a surrogate to pathogen that causes the anthrax disease.

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