Page 50 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Module -V
Biological Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types
Intext Questions 13.2

1. Fill in the blanks

(a) The BW agents are drawn from four primary groups of organisms called
(i) ___________ (ii) ___________ (iii) _________ (iv) _________.
(b) ___________ is found in a certain group of blood sucking insects, such Note
as fleas, mites, lice and ticks.

(c) Incubation period is normally not less than ______ hours.

(d) Certain bacteria, under unfavourable conditions, undergo change into a
state of inactiveness and are called __________.

2. List the essential characteristics for selection of any two BW agent.

13.3 Means of Delivery of BW Agents and their Routes of

Entry into Human Body

13.3.1 Delivery

The BW agents may be delivered in a liquid medium called microorganism 'soup' or as
an aerosol. The liquid medium protects the agent from excessive atmospheric drying,
provides a degree of nutrition to the agent while being delivered to the target and
protects the agent during the transition from liquid to aerosol state. The various modes
of delivery of BW agents are:-

(a) Vectors: The use of animals or insects, known as 'vectors' is used for the delivery
of microorganisms. However, in a BW attack, vectors cannot be relied upon to
behave in a predictable and concerted manner.
(b) Explosive Munitions: Explosive munitions normally consist of a small explosive
device, which is surrounded by the BW agent filled and enclosed in a thin metal
or plastic case. Each munition forms a bomblet within a full sized bomb or artillery
round. The bomblets are designed to disperse over a wide area when released.
On impact, the device explodes and disseminates the agent in an aerosol
suspension. The heat and shock of the explosion usually kills some of the micro-
organisms.

(c) Generators: Biological agent generators normally consist of a container that
has a source of pressure, which replaces the explosives charge. When the
generator is activated, the pressure forces the agent through the nozzle device
and creates an aerosol. The generator does not kill as many of the organisms as
an explosive bomblet and is relatively quiet in operation.

43
MILITARY STUDIES 43