Epidemic-prone Asia 'ripe for bioterror attack'

The vulnerability of much of south-east Asia to infectious diseases such as Sars and bird flu means a bioterror attack could be devastating, experts said today.

While the likelihood of an attack is considered low, the alleged interest of some regional Islamic militants in acquiring disease-causing agents or toxins means it cannot be ruled out. Any nation allied with the US is a potential target, intelligence analysts believe.