Biological Weapons 1346 – They May Be Even More Harmful Than Nuclear Weapons

Doctors play a central role in responding to the threat of biological weapons. They are aware of the risks, recognize an event quickly, and provide appropriate interventions such as antibiotics and vaccines. In the 21st century, as expertise in biotechnology grows and methods for genetic manipulation of pathogens become simpler, bioweapons pose a threat of causing devastating epidemics.

Biological warfare involves the use of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other biological agents to kill humans, livestock, and plants.

For example, Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax, is an effective biological weapon because it forms flexible spores that disperse easily. In addition, pulmonary anthrax infection can kill 90 percent of untreated individuals within a week. Terrorist sympathizers can be protected with antibiotics and thus avoid killing themselves.

Other potential biological weapons include Yersinia pestis (a bacterium that can cause bubonic plague ), viruses (such as Rift Valley fever and Ebola), and toxins (such as ricin, a poisonous protein extracted from castor beans, and botulinum toxin, a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum).

Biological warfare has been waged for a thousand years

In 184 BC, the soldiers of Hannibal of Carthage threw clay pots filled with venomous snakes onto enemy ships. In 1346, Tatar forces hurled warriors who had died of plague over the walls of the Crimean city of Kaffa, and a plague outbreak followed. In 1763, representatives of the Delaware Indians were given blankets exposed to smallpox. In 1940, Japanese warplanes flew over China and dropped ceramic bombs filled with fleas carrying bubonic plague.

Today, various types of field equipment that use antibodies targeting a range of specific pathogens are being developed to detect a possible bioterrorist attack. The World Health Organization writes: "The consequences of a successful biological attack could far exceed those of a chemical or even nuclear incident, especially if the infection spreads easily. Given the ease of travel and increasing globalization, an outbreak anywhere in the world could be a threat to all nations."

Description of the article image: A gas mask and protective suit. Doctors play central roles in responding to the threat of both chemical and biological weapons.

Historical figures mentioned in the article: Hannibal (248 B.C.–183 B.C.)

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