Biological warfare

Biological warfare, also known as germ warfare, is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war. Biological weapons (often termed "bio-weapons", "biological threat agents", or "bio-agents") are living organisms or replicating entities (viruses, which are not universally considered "alive") that reproduce or replicate within their host victims.

History

The concept of biological warfare has been present since antiquity. The earliest documented incident of the intention to use biological weapons is recorded in Hittite texts of 1500–1200 BC, in which victims of tularemia were driven into enemy lands, causing an epidemic.

Modern Biological Warfare

Modern biological warfare began in the 20th century with the rise of modern microbiology and the understanding of the nature of disease. The Geneva Protocol of 1925 prohibited the use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare, but did not prevent the development, production, or stockpiling of such weapons.

Types of Biological Agents

Biological warfare agents differ greatly in the type of organism or toxin used in a weapons system. There are bacteria such as anthrax, viruses such as smallpox, and toxins from living organisms such as botulinum toxin.

Defence Against Biological Warfare

Defence against biological warfare involves protective measures for individuals and communities, detection and identification of biological agents, and development of vaccines and antibiotics to protect against or treat infections.

Ethical and Legal Issues

The use of biological weapons is considered a war crime under international law. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a treaty that prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons.

See Also

• Chemical warfare
• Nuclear warfare
• Biological Weapons Convention
• Geneva Protocol