Activities of the Federal Ministry of Health

The biological defence research and development activities of the Federal Ministry of Health are exclusively conducted at the Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (Zentrum für Biologische Gefahren und Spezielle Pathogene, ZBS) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is one of the most important bodies for the safeguarding of public health in Germany. Since its founding in 1891, the Robert Koch Institute has been dedicated to the investigation and prevention of infectious diseases. Today, the institute is also responsible for nationwide health monitoring – the collected data is included in the health reporting of the federal government. Furthermore, the RKI collects and interprets epidemiological data communicated to the institute as a result of the Protection against Infection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz, IfSG). Its scientists conduct research in infectious disease epidemiology as well as sentinel surveillance projects and support the federal states in outbreak investigations.

The Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (Zentrum für Biologische Gefahren und Spezielle Pathogene, ZBS) has the mission (1) to identify unusual biological events with highly pathogenic agents that might be used with bioterrorist intent. (2) In addition, ZBS assesses the health implications for the general public and (3) works on preparedness and response for such incidents. This also includes informing decision-makers and professionals on incidents. This also includes informing decision-makers and professionals on incidents and to advise and support them on measures to be taken accordingly. In summary, in managing biological incidents, the centre’s tasks include identification, preparedness, information, and response. The centre’s work is not limited exclusively to the identification, assessment and handling of possible bioterrorist attacks. Rather the skills already acquired and those to be developed are also used for the investigation of natural outbreaks or those caused by accidents involving special and highly pathogenic agents and toxins.