The Treat of bioterrorism has recently attracted the attention of medical and public health professionals. Also, there is growing public awareness of the threat of biological weapons. In this review some of the major challenges confronting health care professionals in combating biological terrorism are discussed. Our bioterrorism preparedness in terms of diagnostic facilities and supplies of medicines and vaccines for prophylaxis and therapy needs to be assessed. Appropriate planning and preparation can significantly mitigate the consequences of a biological weapon attack. Training of health care professionals to recognise promptly the clinical manifestations of a bioterror attack, and strengthening links between clinicians and the local public health departments is one of the greatest challenges.