Abstract
Recent events in the US, with the release of Anthrax Bacillus from as yet unknown sources, have for the first time in most people’s lifetime focussed the world’s attention on the threat of biological warfare. However, such attacks are not new. From time to time throughout history peoples and governments around the world have used microorganisms as efficient and cost-effective weapons of mass destruction. Starting in a rather crude but effective way, the Greeks and Romans deposited dead animals into their enemies’ drinking water. Later dead soldiers were added to this, and the technique was further refined in Medieval times when bodies of people who had died of infectious diseases were catapulted into towns under siege.
Highlights
Recent events in the US, with the release of Anthrax Bacillus from as yet unknown sources, have for the first time in most people’s lifetime focussed the world’s attention on the threat of biological warfare
ISSN: 2051-7580 (Online) ISSN: ISSN 0482-3206 (Print) Res Medica is published by the Royal Medical Society, 5/5 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
Recent events in the US, with the release of An subjects in open field trials to test out their lethrax Bacillus from as yet unknown sources, have thal agents including the bacteria causing plague, for the first time in most people’s lifetime cholera, glanders and typhus
Summary
Recent events in the US, with the release of Anthrax Bacillus from as yet unknown sources, have for the first time in most people’s lifetime focussed the world’s attention on the threat of biological warfare. 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibited the use of bio In 1991 when Iraqi troops occupied Kuwait, it logical methods as well as poisonous gases in was well known that they had a stockpile of warfare; but it did not ban their further develop weapons laden with biological agents including ment 200 bombs and 25 ballistic missiles.
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