Which option lists a CDC Bioterrorism Category A agent set?

• A. Rabies, Bluetongue, Pasteurella
• B. Influenza, West Nile Virus, Rabies
• C. Ebola, Lassa fever, Marburg
• D. Anthrax, Botulism, and Plague

Answer: (D)

Category A agents are the CDC’s highest-priority bioterrorism threats—agents that can be easily disseminated or transmitted and cause high mortality with major public health impact. Anthrax, botulinum toxin, and plague fit this description perfectly because they are classic examples recognized as Category A by the CDC. Anthrax spores can spread in the environment, botulinum toxin is among the most potent toxins known, and plague can spread and cause severe disease rapidly. This combination clearly represents the highest-risk set, which is why it’s the best answer.

The other options mix organisms and toxins that are not collectively regarded as a single Category A set. Some listed agents aren’t classified as high-priority Category A agents, and while some groups may include Category A items, the trio of anthrax, botulinum toxin, and plague is the canonical demonstration of Category A threats.