Bioterrorism is a form of biological warfare where a biological agent or agents are released with the intent of killing civil or non-combatant persons.

History of Bioterrorism

The use of biological agents for warfare and terrorism traces its beginnings to the Medevial period when Plague (image left) infested clothes and corpses where catapulted into fortified castles and towns. European settlers brought first bioterrorism in the New World by spreading many illnesses to local peoples of Asiatic decent. 20^th century Germany was the site of the first manufacture and use of purified biological agents for use in ware fare and on civilian populations. Throughout the 20^th and now the 21^st centuries, revolutions in our understandings of microbiology and pathology has lead to an ability for the isolation, purification, amplification, and modification of highly virulent and toxic biological agents for the use of Bioterrorism.

Types of Agents Used

Many different virulent strains of bacteria and viruses as well as purified toxins may be readily delivered and released into a community for the purpose of bioterrorism. Some bacteria pathogens, such as smallpox and Ebola (image right) may by highly contagious through contact of bodily fluids and aerosols caused by coughing. Other pathogens such as Botulism and some strains of Anthrax may be very lethal if a victim comes in contact with the agent, but are much less likely to be contagious through human contact. Some bacterial pathogens may have been engineered to express resistance to known treatments. Most of the aforementioned biological agents can be introduced into a community through contamination of food and water resources or by release of an aerosol into a crowded area.

Agroterrorism

Another form of bioterrorism, known as agroterrorism is the release of animal and plant pathogens or toxins with the intent of disrupting food production and supply. Animal diseases such as Anthrax and hoof and mouth disease could easily be transmitted to live stock by adding powdered inoculants to feeds and grain (image left).

Effects and Purpose

Unlike conventional warefare, bioterrorism seeks to create long term psychological and social effects in the community or society in which a biological agent is released. Mass hysteria, disruption of supply of essential goods, and lack of economic exchange following a bioterrorism event would likely have a greater impact than the actual biological agent.

More Information and Preparedness

For more information on what to do during a bioterrorism attack consult your local county or state health department or the CDCP website at http://www.cdc.gov