In a speech delivered March 12 by British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, in which a good portion was related with the recent nerve agent attack by Russia, the Secretary discussed as part of the readiness–vaccinating military members against anthrax.

A gov.uk pres release said:

the Defence Secretary also announced that thousands of troops held at high readiness will be vaccinated against anthrax. This will ensure that troops are both protected and are ready to deploy to areas where the risk of an anthrax attack exists

Bacillus anthracis bacteria Image/CDC
Bacillus anthracis bacteria
Image/CDC

Williamson said in the speech:

“But against this backdrop of threats, we shouldn’t forget that our Armed Forces remain truly world class and we are giving them the capabilities to respond

“For example, we know the chemical threat doesn’t just come from Russia but from other actors so we’re evolving the capability to meet that danger.

“I made the decision to offer the anthrax vaccine to our forces at the highest readiness providing them with vital protection against a deadly danger

“And today I can announce we are building on our world class expertise at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down.

“We are investing £48 million in a new Chemical Weapons Defence Centre to maintain our cutting edge in chemical analysis and defence.

“We’ve brought together Defence’s world-renowned explosive ordnance expertise with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists.

“And we are continuing to invest and explore new ways and new capabilities to deal with this threat.”


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