Tularemia, caused by the bacterium *Francisella tularensis*, is a highly infectious disease often referred to as rabbit fever, endemic to North America, Europe, and Asia. Its significance as a potential bioweapon lies in its rapid onset and capability to incapacitate those infected without necessarily leading to high mortality rates. This characteristic makes it particularly concerning for use in civilian populations. The bacteria can be disseminated easily, particularly through aerosolization or contamination of water supplies, posing a serious public health risk, especially in urban areas.

Classified as a Category A biological agent by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tularemia has been stockpiled as a weapon by several nations throughout history, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The initial symptoms of tularemia can mimic those of common illnesses, which could lead to delayed recognition of an attack and challenge public health responses. Currently, there is no publicly available vaccine against tularemia, although effective antibiotics exist for treatment. Enhanced security measures, such as air monitoring systems in major U.S. cities, have been implemented to detect potential biological threats, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding bioterrorism and public safety.