Biowarfare refers to the intentional use of biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, and fungi, as weapons to cause illness or death in humans, animals, or plants. It is a form of warfare that specifically utilizes living organisms or the products they produce to inflict harm and create fear.
Biowarfare involves the deliberate release of these agents into the environment, with the goal of causing widespread disease outbreaks or agricultural devastation. The agents utilized in biowarfare can be naturally occurring or genetically modified to enhance their virulence, persistence, or resistance to treatment. They can be spread through various mechanisms including air, water, food, or direct contact with infected individuals.
The consequences of biowarfare can be severe, leading to high mortality rates, mass panic, societal disruption, and long-term economic and environmental damage. Due to the potential catastrophic effects, the development, production, and use of bioweapons are universally prohibited under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), an international treaty ratified by over 180 countries.
The threat of biowarfare has grown with advancements in biotechnology and the increasing availability of scientific knowledge and materials. Therefore, the detection and prevention of biowarfare activities, as well as the development of countermeasures and preparedness strategies, are crucial for national security and global health.
