BIOTERRORISM

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

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.

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.

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.

The world is largely unaware.

They have long term consequences

Rapid evolution

Undetectable and easy transported from country to country.

Types of bioterrorism agents Category A agents

1. Smallpox virus

2. Anthrax

3. Plague

4. Botulism

5. Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Category A

This Can be easily transmitted from person to person.

Might cause public panic and social disruption

Category B agents

1. Glanders

2. Melioidosis

3. Psittacosis

4. Q fever

5. Ricin

6. Staphylococcal

7. Typhus

Category B

Are moderately easy to disseminate

Result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates

Category C agents

1. Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis (MTB)

2. Nipah Virus

3. Hantavirus

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.

Recent incidents

2001 Anthrax attack

2003 Ricin letter incidents

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

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.

Protection against bioterrorism

Physical protection

Gas mask

Immunological protection Mass Vaccination

THANK YOU