Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense
Open Access

Biological weapons; Bioterrorism; Pathogens; Toxins; Warfare; Biodefense; Biological weapons convention; Public health security; Biothreats; Biosecurity

Introduction

Biological weapons represent one of the most insidious forms of mass destruction; leveraging living organisms or biological toxins to cause harm. Their use is prohibited under international law; yet the threat remains due to dual-use research and evolving biotechnological capabilities. From historical plagues used as weapons to modern genetic engineering; biological warfare continues to pose a critical threat to global health and security. This article examines the biological weapon landscape; the risk they pose; and the current strategies for prevention and response [1,2].

Description

Definition and mechanism

Biological weapons consist of microorganisms (bacteria; viruses; fungi) or biologically derived toxins intended to cause disease or death. They are typically dispersed via air; water; or food and can be difficult to detect or trace.

Historical use

The use of biological weapons dates back centuries. Historical records indicate that during the 14th century; the Tartar army catapulted plague-infected corpses into the besieged city of Caffa. In the 20th century; both World Wars and the Cold War era witnessed the development and stockpiling of biological agents by several countries; notably Japan’s Unit 731 and the US-Soviet bioweapons programs [3,4].

Types of biological agents

Biological agents are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into three categories based on their threat level:

Category A: High-priority agents (e.g.; anthrax; smallpox; plague; botulinum toxin).

Category B: Moderately easy to disseminate (e.g.; ricin toxin; salmonella).

Category C: Emerging pathogens (e.g.; Nipah virus; hantavirus) [5].

Delivery mechanisms

Bioweapons can be delivered through aerosols; contaminated food or water; or infected vectors (like insects). Aerosolization is the most feared due to its potential for mass impact.

Results

Case studies and real-world incidents

Sverdlovsk anthrax leak (1979): A Soviet bioweapons facility in Sverdlovsk accidentally released anthrax spores; killing at least 66 people. This incident highlighted the risks of military bioweapons programs and led to increased scrutiny and international concern [6,7].

2001 anthrax attacks in the USA: In the aftermath of 9/11; letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to media outlets and senators; resulting in 5 deaths and 17 infections. The attack created widespread panic and demonstrated the feasibility of low-scale bioterrorism.

COVID-19 and bioweapons speculation: While COVID-19 is not a biological weapon; its global impact reignited debates around laboratory safety; gain-of-function research; and the need for rigorous biosecurity

Discussion

Threat assessment

The increasing accessibility of synthetic biology and gene editing tools like CRISPR poses dual-use concerns. Nations or terrorist groups could potentially engineer more virulent pathogens or enhance resistance to treatment [8,9].

International laws and treaties

The Biological Weapons Convention (1972) is the cornerstone of international efforts to prohibit the development; production; and stockpiling of biological weapons. However; it lacks a formal verification mechanism; limiting enforcement capabilities.

Surveillance and preparedness

Global health systems must enhance early detection capabilities; invest in rapid diagnostics; maintain strategic stockpiles; and conduct public health drills. Agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and national Centers for Disease Control must collaborate to identify and neutralize threats early [10].

Ethical considerations

Research involving dangerous pathogens must balance scientific advancement with global safety. Strict oversight; transparency; and adherence to ethical standards are crucial.

Conclusion

Biological weapons present a unique and potentially catastrophic threat to humanity. Despite international treaties and agreements; the risk of both state-sponsored and rogue bioterrorism persists. Preparedness hinges on robust surveillance systems; public health infrastructure; ethical research practices; and international cooperation. Vigilance and proactive policymaking are essential to protect populations from the grave consequences of biological warfare.