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Biosecurity in the United States is governed by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, which is part of the US Department of State. It obtains guidance and advice on specific matters relating to biosecurity from various other government agencies.

Biosecurity is set of measures aimed at preventing the introduction and/or spread of harmful organisms, in order to minimise the risk of transmission of infectious diseases to people, animals and plants caused by viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms. As well as protecting the agricultural economy and other industries of countries, it protects human health against biorisks caused by natural occurrences, accident, or deliberate acts of bioterrorism. The term also extends to dealing with epidemic and pandemic diseases, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) playing an important role in the management of the latter. WHO has described biosecurity as a strategic and integrated approach to analysing and managing relevant risks to human, animal and plant life and health and associated risks for the environment.

Biosecurity protocols are also used in laboratories and research facilities to prevent dangerous biological materials from falling into the hands of malevolent parties, particularly where dual-use research is being undertaken, for both peaceful and military applications.

Terminology