Biological warfare
Biological warfare, or BW, is the use of pathogens or toxins as weapons. Pathogens
include bacteria and viruses which cause diseases such as anthrax, cholera, and plague.
Pathogens as weapons would be used against strategic targets such as food supplies,
troops concentrations, and population centers to create panic and disrupt mobilization plans.Toxins are poisons produced by pathogens, and by snakes, spiders, sea creatures and plants. BW researchers can now produce some toxins through chemical processes or through genetic engineering. Toxins are
faster acting and more stable than live pathogens and could be used against tactical targets.
Biological warfare agents include anthrax, plague, cholera, smallpox, tularemia, Q fever,ricin, and botulinum toxin.
BW states hide their programs under the guise of legitimate medical research. There is
little to distinguish a vaccine or pharmaceutical plant from a BW facility. BW production
does not require specialized equipment, nor do threat states need to keep stockpiles of
biological warfare agents. Through biotechnology, they can quickly produce the
quantities of BW agent needed from small cultures.
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