Postal Service completes test of new anthrax detection system

The Postal Service last month completed a 15-city test of a new anthrax detection system, an agency spokesman told Global Security Newswire Tuesday, describing the test as a "resounding success."

The system works by testing the air surrounding mail-handling equipment for anthrax spores, according to reports. If spores are detected, the system automatically sends an e-mail to designated officials who then will use fire alarms to alert workers. While the system can be expanded to test for other biological weapons agents than anthrax, there are currently no plans to do so, Postal Service spokesman Bob Anderson said.

The Postal Service now plans to begin a two-phase nationwide deployment of the system in early 2004, Anderson said, adding that full deployment is scheduled to be completed in 2005. The test found "minor tweaks" that still need to be performed on the system before it is ready for deployment, he said.

In July, The Baltimore Sun reported that the Postal Service had entered into a $175 million contract with Northrop Grumman to install the new detection system. Anderson refused Tuesday to provide cost information, however, saying that the Postal Service was still in negotiation with Northrop Grumman.