If an entity reports theft or loss of a select agent or toxin to the Federal Select Agent Program, whom do they share this information with?

If an entity reports theft or loss of a select agent or toxin to the Federal Select Agent Program, whom do they share this information with?

• A. FBI, who may open an investigation if warranted
• B. CDC
• C. DHS
• D. NIH

Answer: (A)

When a select agent is reported stolen or lost, the immediate concern is to involve the agency responsible for criminal investigations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation serves as the lead federal agency for investigating potential criminal activity involving such incidents, and they may open an investigation if warranted. This ensures a formal law-enforcement response and coordination with the Federal Select Agent Program for regulatory and biosafety follow-up. While the Federal Select Agent Program is administered by public health and agricultural agencies (CDC and APHIS), they oversee compliance and safety, not the criminal investigation. DHS and NIH are not the primary investigative bodies for theft or loss of select agents.

When a select agent is reported stolen or lost, the immediate concern is to involve the agency responsible for criminal investigations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation serves as the lead federal agency for investigating potential criminal activity involving such incidents, and they may open an investigation if warranted. This ensures a formal law-enforcement response and coordination with the Federal Select Agent Program for regulatory and biosafety follow-up. While the Federal Select Agent Program is administered by public health and agricultural agencies (CDC and APHIS), they oversee compliance and safety, not the criminal investigation. DHS and NIH are not the primary investigative bodies for theft or loss of select agents.