More recently, in , followers of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh contaminated salad bars in Oregon with Salmonella in an attempt to influence a local election although hundreds were sickened, this attack did not impact the election.
C on Sept. The U. Department of Homeland Security. As technologies for genetically modifying organisms have advanced and become more accessible, it has become easier and less expensive to alter the genetic makeup of viruses and bacteria. The potential for misuse of synthetic biology capabilities increases and expands the threat of bioweapons. The tools could be used for the creation of pathogenic microorganisms or the modification of existing microorganisms to make them more dangerous.
Among the areas of greatest concern are the potential for the reconstruction of known pathogenic viruses using information on their genetic sequences e.
Another concern is the potential to engineer a microorganism that releases harmful biochemicals within the human body. Concluding remarks. Biological warfare can be used with impunity under the camouflage of natural outbreaks of disease to decimate human populations, and to destroy livestock and crops of economic significance. Attempts to regulate the conduction of warfare and the development of weaponry using harmful substances such as poisons and poisoned weapons are enshrined in conventions drawn up with respect to the laws and customs on land Table 1.
These early instruments of war -prevention measures, and eventual confidence-building and peace-building measures, have evolved from normal practices and characteristic usages established amongst, civilised peoples; from the basic laws of humanity; the tenets of long established and widely accepted faiths, and the dictates of public conscience.
In that context, the conventions outline steps and measures to safeguard buildings and historic monuments dedicated to art, religion and science, and to clinics and hospitals housing the sick and wounded, provided they are not engaged in combat. Use of such personnel in experiments designed to enhance the lethality of weaponry containing harmful substances such as poisons, disabling chemicals and ethical pharmaceuticals is implicitly and strictly prohibited.
In the history of the interactions between science, culture and peace, the term Unit is associated with the demeaning of science and humanity, their values and ethics. In neutralising the effects of biological agents and rendering them ineffectual for use as bioweapons, bioindustries are now concentrating on the development of a wide range of biotherapeutics - antibiotics and vaccines Stephanov et al, ; Perrier, ; Russell, ; Zoon, through development of biologically-based defence science and technology programmes.
Current bioweapons defence research is now focusing on developing biosensors containing specific antibodies to detect respiratory pathogens likely to be dispersed through sprays and air cooling systems. Also contract research centres around the use of biotechnologies to remediate environmental areas contaminated with heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, radioactive materials, and other toxic wastes.
The genetic screening of human diseases and drug discovery have been facilitated by research advances in the field of bioinformatics Lehrach et al, The automated and computerised study of shared information in the genomic DNA of biological resources in tandem with digital processing and graphic computation techniques, offers a base for the development of devices for monitoring environmental degradation and development of biodefence programmes Table 4 a , b , c.
The aim of such research in developing sensors for the timely detection and neutralisation of biological weapons is reflected in "Sherlock Holmes' dog that doesn't bark", i. Development of national preparedness and emerging responses to biological agents, either in bioterroristic or combat situations, is dependent upon the rapidity of intervention by trained antiterroristic personnel comprised of microbiologists, doctors, hospital staff, psychologists, military or law-enforcing forces, and public health personnel.
In this regard, the economic impact of a bioterroristic attack has recently been assessed Kaufmann et al, Investing in public health surveillance helps enhance domestic preparedness in dealing with, bioterrorism, emerging diseases and foodborne infections.
The likelihood of genetically engineered micro-organisms contributing to the emergence of new infections cannot be ignored. Public reaction to the introduction of genetically engineered crops into Europe, at this time, is accompanied by controversy and fears for environmental safety. The uncertainty accompanying the potential outbreaks of new scourges is another complicating factor.
Increasing public awareness and understanding of safety issues and the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment helps to overcome unsubstantiated fears and misconceptions, and to secure confidence through a state of preparedness. On such strategies, a ready and effective response exists to combat potential catastrophes and outbreaks of emerging diseases.
New threats from weapons of mass destruction continue to emerge as a result of the availability of technology and capacity to produce, world-wide, such weapons for use in terrorism and organised crime Department of Defence, Novel and accessible technologies give rise to proliferation of such weapons that have implications for regional and global security and stability.
In counteraction of such threats, and in securing the defence of peace, the need for leadership and example in devising preventive and protective responses has been emphasised through the need for training of civilian and non-civilian personnel, and their engagement in international co-operation. These responses emphasise the need for the reduction and elimination of bioterrorism threats through consultation, monitoring and verification procedures; and deterrence, through the constant availability and maintenance of a conventional law and order force that is well-versed in counterproliferation controls and preparedness protocols American Society for Microbiology, Adherence to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, reinforced by confidence-building measures United Nations, is indeed, an important and necessary step in reducing and eliminating the threats of biological warfare and bioterrorism Tucker, Alper, J.
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See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You No links available. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Start Here. Category A agents are considered the highest risk and Category C agents are those that are considered emerging threats for disease.
These high-priority agents include organisms or toxins that pose the highest risk to the public and national security:.
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