Biological terrorism

1 BIO 260 Dr. Paul Reese Bioterrorism Bioterrorism is terrorism involving the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents. These agents are bacteria, viruses, or toxins, and may be in a naturally- occurring or a human-modified form. A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, toxins or other harmful agents used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically

anthrax killer, exposing and estimated thirty thousand people to the deadly spores, killing five, leaving its illness with seventeen others. (Shactman) The problem with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism, also know as CBRN, is that, in threats where conventional explosives are not used, chemical, biological, and radiological threats are hard to detect and prevent, and after-the-fact, are, usually, impossible, expensive, or extensive in labor and use of high-tech, cutting-edge equipment

be more likely to utilize a biological weapon over a nuclear weapon against the United States for multiple reasons. The creation process, required funding, and resources needed to obtain possession of a biological weapon, compared to a nuclear weapon, are easier. As stated by Kostadinov and Galabova, “with their features bio-agents are ideal as a terrorists weapons undoubtedly proved by performed bioterrorism assessment” (Kostadinov, 2010, p. 303). The use of a biological weapon is the, for lack of

develop of biological weapons, the DHS likely saw the acquisition of the REBS as unnecessary. Obtaining a successful biological program is difficult as seen with past attempts by governments. Both the United States and Russia were two of the best equipped countries to develop such weaponry and devoted plentiful resources to their programs. Even with the large influx money, both countries encountered difficult hurdles (Parachini, 2001). If a terrorist organization were to obtain a biological weapon

Biological Attack      In Living Terrors by Michael T. Osterholm and John Schwartz, the threat of biological attack on the United States is introduced to the public. Using Living Terrors and a number of sources that are extremely knowledgeable on the question of preparedness of the United States to a biological attack, I will argue that the United States is in no way prepared to handle a biological attack on its soil.      Nuclear, chemical and

spore-forming bacterium. The most common victims of anthrax are warm-blooded animals, but it can also infect humans. Anthrax spores can be produced in a powdery form for biological warfare. When inhaled by humans, these particles cause respiratory failure and death within a week. Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense (DOD), in 1998, announced it would begin a systematic vaccination of all U.S. military personnel. (DOD, 1998) Anthrax infection

Bioterrorism across the world has been prevalent throughout history, all the way up to present day. Is the use of biological agents in war a useful weapon or an epidemic creator? This question has been asked among scientists and ethicists since the introduction of biological agents into the war field. One of the most well-known bioterrorist attacks was the anthrax attacks of 2001 (NPR). These attacks, in relation with the September 11 attacks, consisted of envelopes containing a letter that had the

Using Clostridium botulinum as a Biological Weapon Ever since the dawn of biotechnology, the world had to face a new dilemma: bioterrorism. Using biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., bioterrorism attack aims to cause illness of death in people, animals, or plants as a method of warfare. Used throughout history, biological weapon serves as a pivotal role in disarming an army. Botulism toxin, known for the most toxic substance in the biological world, has been used throughout

the United States, because they are an ideal weapon for terrorists. There are four different kinds of these weapons; these are Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear. The one I would like to focus on are biological weapons, because they are seem the most probable. Why would I consider a biological weapon of mass destruction more probable? A biological attack is the “…intentional release of a pathogen or bio toxin….against humans plants or animals…” (Forest & Howard, 2013, p. 113). These

people than nuclear war, but do we know what bioterrorism is? Bioterrorism also known as biological warfare is defined as use of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, germs, fungi or toxins against enemy’s soldiers, civilians, animals or crops as a weapon of war. Small pox viruses and bacterium like Yersinia pestis which causes plague are examples of such biological agents. As with other forms of terrorism, its purposes include the undermining of morale, creating chaos, or achieving political