Which statement is true regarding the CDC's Category ABC Agents List?

Which statement is true regarding the CDC's Category ABC Agents List?

• A. Category A agents pose the highest risk to public and national security
• B. Category A includes only viruses
• C. Category A is irrelevant to veterinarians
• D. Category A includes only toxins

Answer: (A)

Category A agents are the highest-risk group because they have the potential to cause widespread illness, high mortality, and rapid dissemination, leading to major public health and national security consequences. The list includes a mix of viruses, bacteria, and toxins, such as smallpox (variola virus), Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Yersinia pestis (plague), Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and viral hemorrhagic fever agents like Ebola and Marburg. This mix shows that Category A is not limited to viruses or to toxins alone. It’s also relevant to veterinarians since many of these agents have zoonotic potential or can impact animal health and agriculture, making veterinary awareness and collaboration part of protecting public health.

Category A agents are the highest-risk group because they have the potential to cause widespread illness, high mortality, and rapid dissemination, leading to major public health and national security consequences. The list includes a mix of viruses, bacteria, and toxins, such as smallpox (variola virus), Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Yersinia pestis (plague), Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and viral hemorrhagic fever agents like Ebola and Marburg. This mix shows that Category A is not limited to viruses or to toxins alone. It’s also relevant to veterinarians since many of these agents have zoonotic potential or can impact animal health and agriculture, making veterinary awareness and collaboration part of protecting public health.