High-level NATO officials from 14 countries concluded secret meetings in Kansas City this week. In the meeting, the NATO Medical Working Group heard details about biosecurity research at Kansas State University.
President Richard Myers told the NATO representatives he’d seen bioterror threats up close during his time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He said the U.S., and particularly the Midwest, are potential targets of such threats.
Ron Trewyn is the liaison for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at K–State.
Trewyn says Myers impressed the NATO officials, explaining the breadth of the biosecurity risk.
"As they seem to appreciate the relevance for their countries as this topic is not just about people it’s about food to eat and economic disruption," Trewyn says.
Organizers said the meeting in Kansas City was deliberately not publicized for security reasons.
The NATO Medical Working Group explores readiness for chemical, nuclear and biological threats.
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