ABSTRACT
Biological agents can be produced by four methods. The most common means of producing bacterial agents is by fermentation. Viral agents are most commonly produced by the inoculation of fertile eggs. Both viral and bacterial agents can be produced in live animals or in tissue. Toxins are derived as a byproduct of the growth of a biological organism just as alcohol is a byproduct of the growth of yeast. Toxins can also be derived from snakes, insects, spiders, sea creatures and plants
CLASSIFICATION OF AGENTS
Biological agents can be used as antipersonnel agents that are effective against humans. They may also be employed as antianimal, antiplant and antimaterial agents. Antianimal agents are effective against animals. Antiplant agents are live organisms that cause disease or damage to plants. Antimaterial agents cause damage or breakdown of materials such as rubber.
