Would Australian general practice be the first point of contact during an anthrax bioterrorism event?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anthrax bioterrorism is a new threat to Australians. How they would respond to an anthrax bioterrorism event is unknown.

METHOD: A national telephone survey of Australian adults.

RESULTS: We successfully interviewed 1001 Australian adults (response rate 63%). The threat of anthrax bioterrorism was of medium to high concern to 57% of survey participants. In the event of an anthrax bioterrorism event, the first point of care would be GPs for 60% of survey participants, and 71% were confident in their doctor’s ability to recognise anthrax. Most would accept vaccination if anthrax bioterrorism cases were reported locally, or even elsewhere in Australia.

DISCUSSION: Australian GPs should be included in any bioterrorism planning to respond to such threats.