As the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus — popularly known as swine flu — spreads beyond Mexico across the planet, conspiracy theories are racing around the Web insisting that this new virus must be the work of bioterrorists. New Scientist puts paid to such suggestions — and Intravenous Caffeine asks the obvious question:

[I]f someone was planning on a bioterrorist attack on the US, why did they start the outbreak in Mexico? Why not New York City or Chicago or any other crowded US metropolis?

Good question. Newsweek is of the opinion, however, that even a natural outbreak of swine flu “caught health officials completely by surprise — just as a bioterror attack would.”

Or would it? The government report Bioterrorism: The National Preparedness & Activities, available from Cosimo, discusses the development of new vaccines, antibodies, and improved treatment for infectious diseases caused by biological agents. It also features information on the development and testing of emergency response equipment.

Congressman (and medical doctor) Ron Paul on the swine flu scare, and how the media has overhyped the danger:

Bioterrorism: The National Preparedness & Activities is available at Amazon.com and from other online booksellers.