This work explores the relationships between political leaders, public health officials, journalists, and others to see why leadership confusion develops during public health crises. It begins by looking at general issues of leadership, public health administration, and bioterrorism, then chronicles five public health emergencies: the 2001 anthrax attacks, 1993 cryptosporidium outbreak in the US, the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease crisis, and the battle against mad cow disease in the UK. The cases are illuminated with first-person accounts from leaders involved in the crises, excerpts from official reports and the medical literature, and discussions of the role of law enforcement and the military during health care emergencies. A final chapter looks at legal, law enforcement, and public health issues involved in worst-case scenarios that overwhelm local capabilities, such as a bioterrorist attack. The book can be used as a supplemental text for courses in public health, or as a reference for elected officials at every level. Kahn is a physician and research scholar in the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton University. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)