Germ warfare

Germ warfare or biological 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 around since the 14th century when the Tartar forces, during the Siege of Caffa, hurled the bodies of plague victims over the city walls to infect the inhabitants. The use of biological agents in warfare has evolved over the centuries and has peaked in the 20th century with the development of highly sophisticated techniques and strategies.

Types of Biological Agents

Biological warfare agents are classified into three categories: bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that cause diseases such as anthrax, plague, and tularemia. Viruses are smaller than bacteria and cause diseases such as smallpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and influenza. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living organisms, and they can be harmful or lethal to humans.

Methods of Dissemination

Biological warfare agents can be disseminated in various ways. They can be spread through the air by aerosol sprays, through infecting animals which carry the disease to humans, through contamination of food and water, and through person-to-person spread.

Prevention and Response

Prevention of biological warfare involves the use of protective measures such as vaccination, antibiotics, and decontamination. Response to a biological attack involves the use of medical countermeasures such as antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and vaccines to treat and prevent illness.

International Law

The use of biological weapons is considered a war crime under international law. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which came into force in 1975, prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons.

See Also

• Chemical warfare
• Nuclear warfare
• Biological Weapons Convention
• Biological hazard

Germ warfare Resources
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