Presented By:Alo Dutt

B.A.LL.B. (10th Sem.)

BIO-TERRORISM: TIME TO WAKE UP

DEFINITION OF BIO-TERRORISM Bio-terrorism is the threat or use of biological agents by individuals or groups motivated by political, religious, ecological, social, or for other ideological objectives to instill fear or cause illness or death in order to achieve their objective.

BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS Consists of either living organisms that can

reproduce, such as bacteria, or viruses, or toxic materials produced by living organisms, such as toxins or physiologically active proteins or peptides.

Viruses – Venezuelan Equine Enchephalitis (Very Lethal)

Bacteria – Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) Toxins – Staphylococcal Enterotoxin and

Botulinum Toxin

Armies Have Used Biological Warfare for

Millennia

HISTORY OF BIOLOGICAL WARFARE

1763 - French and Indian War; smallpox WW I - German program; anthrax, glanders 1925 - Geneva protocol bans biological weapons WW II - Japanese program; anthrax, plague, cholera, shigella

1969 - Nixon eliminates offensive biological warfare program

1984 – USA- Rajneeshee Bio-terror attack 1993 - Japan -Aum Shinrikyo anthrax release In Kameido

2001 - USA - Anthrax Attacks

CLASSIFYING BIO-TERROR AGENTS

CLASS A Contagious High death rates and high health impact on the public ANTHRAX, BOTULISM, SMALLPOX, TULAREMIA, PLAGUE

CLASS B Moderately easy to spread Some illness & death rates TYPHUS, WATER SAFETY THREATS, SALMONELLA

CLASS C Easily available Easily produced and spread Have potential for high death & illness rates NIPAH VIRUS

WHY BIOTERRORISM? Agents easy to manufacture Possible to attack covertly Psychological impact Potential economic impact

BIOLOGICAL DELIVERY METHODS

•Food / Water •Aircraft sprayers •Vehicle sprayers •Hand sprayers •Mail •Air handling systems •Human Vector •Animal Vector

STEPS IN PREPARING PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES FOR BIOLOGICAL ATTACKS

Enhance epidemiologic capacity to detect and respond to biological attacks.

Supply diagnostic reagents to state and local public health agencies.

Establish communication programs to ensure delivery of accurate information.

Enhance bioterrorism-related education and training for health-care professionals.

“Wars can no longer contain the population, so biological terrorism will become the

weapon of choice.”David Icke 2010