Biological warfare refers to the intentional use of biological agents, such as microorganisms or toxins produced by living organisms, as a method of warfare or terrorism. It is an extreme form of warfare where the aim is to cause widespread disease, death, or incapacitation among humans, animals, or plants.
Involving the deliberate release of biological agents, biological warfare can take various forms, including the dissemination of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or other infectious agents, as well as the use of poisonous toxins derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. These agents can be deployed through different means, such as aerosols, contaminated food or water supplies, or directly infecting individuals.
The objective of biological warfare is to exploit the vulnerabilities of a population or to target specific individuals, thereby disrupting societal systems, causing mass casualties, or incapacitating military forces. The effects of such warfare can range from mild illness to severe morbidity and mortality, with the potential to disrupt infrastructure, healthcare systems, and economies.
The use of biological warfare is prohibited under international law, including the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, which bans the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. The potential consequences of biological warfare have led to the establishment of strict regulations, monitoring systems, and precautions by governments, international organizations, and the scientific community to prevent the misuse of biological agents.
