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Module -V
Biological Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types

13

Note
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE

In the previous lesson we have learnt about nuclear warfare. Now, we will learn about
biological warfare (BW), also known as germ warfare. It is the use of biological toxins
or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi for war. The intent could be to
kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants by using biological agents as an act of
war.
Biological weapons are living organisms that reproduce or replicate within their host
victims. Biological weapons may be employed in various ways to gain a strategic or
tactical advantage over the enemy. Biological weapons may also be useful as area
denial weapons. These agents may be lethal or non-lethal, and may be targeted against
a single individual, a group of people, or even an entire population.

Like nuclear weapons, the use of biological weapons is also prohibited under customary
International Humanitarian Law and International Treaties. The use of biological agents
in armed conflict is a war crime.In this lesson we will learn about the biological warfare
to include the basic terms used, the types of biological warfare agents, its characteristics,
selection of BW agents and delivery means.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

• define the basic terms used in Biological Warfare;
• classify the types, characteristics and selection of BW agents and

• explain the meaning of delivery of BW agents and their routes of entry into
human body.

13.1 Basic Terms and Definitions

(a) Biological Agent - A biological agent is a micro-organism which causes disease
in man, plants or animals, or causes the deterioration of material.
(b) Biological Warfare (BW) - Biological warfare is the use of biological agents

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MILITARY STUDIES 39