Nebraska?s biocontainment facility in Omaha is certainly state-of-the-art and built for public use. It reflects the seriousness with which Nebraska takes the threat of infectious disease and deadly biological agents by devoting $1 million of homeland security money to build the facility. Many might question why such a facility would be built in the middle of the country when anthrax outbreaks and avian flu have occurred elsewhere. Many believe that any type of terrorist attack?including a bioterrorism attack?could occur against well known targets or major metropolitan areas. Nebraska may not readily come to mind in this context, but that sort of logic may be intrinsically flawed.

Prior to 9/11 , the worst terrorist attack to occur in America?s heartland, Oklahoma City , was a wake-up call. There is no guarantee that only high profile targets will be a target. A lower profile target may be better suited, as terrorists might expect more mission success at soft targets than at well-protected areas. In addition, Nebraska may not be as low profile as people think. There are military assets there, and a large agricultural infrastructure, both of which could be targeted or be the target and source of infectious disease outbreaks.

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