Select Agent

Published November 2003

Part of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. A Select Agent is defined in the Act as belonging to one of four categories: pathogens that affect humans; animal pathogens; plant pathogens; and agents that are toxic to both humans and animals. Eighty-two Select Agents have been identified. The use of these agents in facilities may require that such facilities be re-built to meet the requirements of the Act.