On September 14, 2016, a notice on B. cereus biovar anthracis as a Tier1 select agent appeared in the USA. It described the biochemical characteristics of B. cereus, but also noted the virulence factors of B. anthracis. Genomic characterization showed that this agent belongs to the B. cereus species but harbors virulence-associated plasmids that are similar to B. anthracis. In addition, as with B. anthracis, the virulence of this strain as a spore-forming bacterium may make it possible to form potential bio-hazard agents. A little apparent difference was recognized between this organism and B. anthracis with respect to the criteria used to designate B. anthracis. Although its possibility to occur in Korea may be very low, the CDC is preparing a laboratory response system against putative high-risk pathogens.