Biological Agents as Military Weapons

Abstract This paper discusses the threats posed by and the effect of biological weapons. The focus is on six of the most dangerous biological warfare agents, as perceived by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga. These are anthrax (bacillus anthracis), botulinum toxin, hemorrhagic fever viruses, plague (yersinia pestis), smallpox, and tularemia. The epidemology, pathogenesis, and treatment of each of these are the main topic of discussion. Genetic modifications and potential …

…be placed on detection methods, while a medical focus should be placed on developing vaccines where none exist as well as improving postexposure therapy. Development in both of these areas would serve to discourage potential attacks as the potency of the attack would be greatly diminished. Ultimately the responsibility lies with all state governments and relevant international organizations to protect life on Earth by doing everything possible to eliminate the threat posed by biological warfare.