ABSTRACT
The earliest use of biological weapons in warfare resulted from the use of corpses rst to contaminate water sources and subsequently as a terror tactic, hurling bodies over the wall of fortied cities. From these crude beginnings were to develop national programs for biological weapons development, stockpiling, and deployment that would rival all other weapons systems in scope and magnitude as well as potential to cause human harm. Recent unveiling of these programs as well as recognition of the failure of the Biological Weapons Convention to prevent some countries from engaging in biological weapons development has made the public aware, if not frightened, of the possibilities. Ergo, use of biological agents as weapons of warfare, methods of terrorism, or means for engaging in criminal activity has come to the forefront of public attention in recent years. Widespread understanding of the biological threat in terms of biological agents’ historic use is vital for those who endeavor to nd ways to protect society from those who intend to use these agents. It is important to have some common agreement of denitions of terminology used in this discussion. Biological agent refers to any living organism or substance produced by an organism that can be used as a weapon to cause harm to humans. Broadly speaking, this includes any living organism or biologically derived substance, but in practical terms (for the classical biological warfare agents), this list is limited to viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Biowarfare in its broadest sense refers to any use of these agents to harm others. However, biowarfare in more common usage ascribes a narrower denition-use in the context of war, that is, it refers to the use of a biological agent by a nation-state as an act of war. Bioterrorism refers to the use of biological agents by a political group, religious group, or cult (group not otherwise recognized as an extension of the government of a state) to achieve some intended political or ideological objective. However, even this denition is fraught with confusion because it does not preclude use by an organization with state sponsorship which can be covert. The term biocrime refers to the use of biological agents in the perpetration of criminal activity in which the perpetrator’s
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motivation appears to be personal in nature, as opposed to some broader ideological, political, or religious objective. Although specic circumstances and events can blur the distinction, it is helpful to keep these three denitions in mind as we review the world’s experience with biological agent use.
