BIOTERRORISM & BIOWARFARE

BIOTERRORISM the use of infectious agents or other harmful biological or biochemical substances as weapons of terrorism the deliberate use of biological agents to cause illness, death and fear for ideological or personal purposes (Oxford University Press, 2010)

Biological AGENTS Category A – greatest risk to public/security Diseases that are both infectious and contagious Diseases that are infectious but not contagious Toxins Category B – intermediate risk Category C – emerging diseases that could be engineered (Green, M.S. / Oxford University Press, 2010)

Biological agents Dissemination through Aerosolization Infected organisms Humans Food Water (Green, M.S. / Oxford University Press, 2010)

Biological agents Factors Incubation period Diagnosis Treatment Isolation Decontamination (Green, M.S. / Oxford University Press, 2010)

Biological agents Bubonic Plague Anthrax Botulism Yersinia pestis via Xenopsylla cheopsis Swollen lymph nodes Anthrax Bacillus anthracis Toxicity Botulism Clostridium botulinum Paralysis (Green, M.S. / Oxford University Press, 2010)

management Extensive, up-to-date information Public Awareness (Green, M.S. / Oxford University Press, 2010)

Biowarfare the use of toxins of biological origin or microorganisms as weapons of war (Oxford University Press, 2010)

biowarfare Already in place since medieval times In the 14th and 15th centuries, warring parties used decomposing corpses as catapult ammunition During the French-Indian war, it is believed that a British general ordered that blankets and handkerchiefs be taken from smallpox patients in Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania's infirmary, and given to the Indians surrounding the fort. Throughout the 20th century, bacterial agents such as anthrax, plague, typhoid, tularemia, and Salmonella were believed to have been used as bioweapons

Offensive Biowarfare Genetic engineering + already nasty organisms = Death’s party

Defensive Biowarfare Vaccines Detection methods

Biowarfare myths Myth #1: All agents used for biological warfare are contagious.  Myth #2: Biological weapons are easily spread throughout a population. Myth #3: A mask, plastic sheeting, and some duct tape will save you from a biological attack.

Biowarfare Geneva Protocol (1925) Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (1972) The Geneva Protocol of 1925 prohibited the use of chemical weapons and biological weapons, but said nothing about experimentation, production, storage, or transfer; later treaties did cover these aspects. Twentieth-century advances in microbiology enabled the first pure-culture biological agents to be developed by World War II. In 1972, the United States signed the Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention, which banned the "development, production and stockpiling of microbes or their poisonous products except in amounts necessary for protective and peaceful research." By 1996, 137 countries had signed the treaty; however it is believed that since the signing of the Convention the number of countries capable of producing such weapons has increased.

Dark Winter An exercise staged by several collaborative groups in the US simulating a covert smallpox attack on the country. Smallpox outbreak in Oklahoma, followed by 2000 smallpox cases over 15 states 6 days after outbreak Panic leads to ethnicity-related violence, shortages of supplies, closure of shops and places

Dark Winter Chaos swamps the authorities. 13 days after outbreak, 16,000 cases over 25 states are reported, 1000 deaths have been recorded 10 other countries report cases of smallpox. Canada and Mexico close their borders to the United States. Vaccine supplies are depleted, and health officials predict that by February, there will be three million cases of smallpox, leading to as many as one million deaths.

Dark Winter Major US media outlets each receive an anonymous letter demanding the removal of all U.S. forces from Saudi Arabia and all warships from the Persian Gulf within one week. Failure to comply, will result in new smallpox attacks on the U.S. as well as additional attacks with anthrax and bubonic plague. Each letter contains a genetic fingerprint that matches the fingerprint of the smallpox strain that caused the epidemic, proving the authenticity of these claims and the seriousness of the threats. GAME OVER

Activity The Dark Star Dominion is a country which has recently come into contact with a microorganism that can cause crippling paralysis by attacking the voluntary motor nerves of the victim. The spread of this sickness is slow, however, since the bacteria spreads via body fluids only. The Warmasters of the Dominion desire to utilize this bacteria, called Mortus immobilus, to wage war against their neighbors and acquire territory.

Activity Form a group, name your own cool country, and nominate your leader. Provide a fancy title for your leader and yourselves. EX: Republic of Tandang Sora J. Suico, Warlord A. Aliermo, Fleet Admiral K. Ocampo, Health Minister What is your country’s stand regarding the biowarfare situation of your neighboring country, the Dark Star Dominion? What preparative measures will you take? How will you deal with the threat represented by the Dark Star Dominion?