2. What is Bioterrorism ?
Bioterrorism is terrorism by intentional release or dissemination of
biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins.
These are used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants.
Biological agents can be spread through the air, through water, or in
food.
Bacteria Viruses Toxins
3. History
Biological terrorism dates as far back as ancient Roman civilization.
This early version of biological terrorism was used to destroy enemy
forces.
It continued on into the 14th century.
The use of disease as a weapon in history exhibited a lack of control
aggressors had over their own biological weapons.
4. Over time, biological warfare became more and more
sophisticated.
Countries began to develop weapons which were much more
effective.
One significant enhancement in biological weapon
development was the first use of anthrax.
This became a weapon of choice because it is easily
transferred.
During world war 1 the use of poisonous
mustard gas became the biological weapon
of choice.
5. How is bioterrorism such a threat?
Terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely
difficult to detect.
They do not cause illness for several hours to several days.
Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread
from person to person and some like anthrax, cannot.
6. The world is largely unaware.
They have long term consequences
Rapid evolution
Undetectable and easy transported from country to country.
12. Category C
Category C agents are pathogens.
These might be engineered for mass dissemination
They are easy to produce and have potential for high morbidity
or mortality.
14. International response
The 1925 Geneva Protocol
Prohibits the use of asphyxiating, poisonous, or other
gases and all analogous liquids, materials or devices in
warfare
‘Customary international law’
Bans use not possession
No-first-use-treaty
15. 1972 Biological Weapons Convention
First treaty to ban an entire class of weapons
Prohibits development, production, stockpiling and
acquisition of biological weapons
Does not obstruct non-hostile use of biological agents but
still covers future weaponisation of agents.