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.
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 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 Demonstration of the decontamination of a building contaminated with a surrogate to pathogen that causes the anthrax disease.