0
Bacillus anthracis spores are easily produced in mass quantities in a lab. They are tiny, easily spread, can be passed from plant to animal to human, and cause easily be fatal to an unvaccinated population. The application of the spores is undetectable without special testing, and can survive for very long periods of time even in harsh conditions. The most notorious means of using anthrax as a bioterrorism weapon was contamination of cattle feed cakes in 1944 and the American scare of spores being mailed to individuals in the media and Senate.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIf one considers terrorism to be a means of fomenting terror and dissent in the target group by the actions of another known group, the use of any agent delivered in an unexpected way can undermine the populace trust in the government and increase the general level of fear. It is highly doubtful that Antrax was used for purposes of terrorism in the modern era. While crystalized Anthrax was mailed to various well-known American figures, and a few deaths were the result, the source of the Anthrax was never discovered, nor did any terrorist group claim responsibility. Anthrax in its weaponized form can be inhaled and absorbed through mucous membranes (and of course directly into the bloodstream if applied to an open wound). However, as far as biological agents go, crystalized Anthrax is not hugely effective and requires some sophistication to produce. The US has claimed to have discontinued biological warfare development. However, some unsubstantiated yet possible stories indicate the Anthrax in the most recent attacks was trackable to a US bio-weapons facility. If not, the question of the source of the weaponized Anthrax remains a mystery.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAnthrax is bacteria that can have lethal effects if exposed to it. Therefore this fits under Biological and can be classed as a Bio-weapon as opposed to a Nuclear/Radiological/Chemical Weapon
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How does anthrax move?
Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores.There are three types of anthrax: skin, lung and gastrointestinal.Anthrax from animals. You can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like wool, for example). You can also become infected with gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.Anthrax as a weapon. Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened in the US in 2001. Anthrax was spread by sending letters with powder containing anthrax. This caused 22 cases of anthrax infection, including several deaths.
Which method may be used to deliver biological?
Aerosols make an awesome weapon. They have been done before using anthrax spores.
Why is Scottish island infected with anthrax?
During the second World War, in 1942, Britain experimented with the Anthrax bacterium on the Scottish island of Gruinard. The experiments were undertaken because Britain feared that they would be attacked by Germany with similar biological and chemical weapons. Thankfully, Anthrax was never used as a weapon in World War II. The island remained "out of bounds" for several decades. In 1986 a company was employed by the British government to decontaminate the island. The island was finally declared "safe" on 24th April 1990.
What is the most common injury of anthrax?
Farm animals. Although, in the US we vaccinate farm animals against anthrax. World wide, however, sheep and cows are the most common victims of anthrax. It is more of a livestock disease than a human one. Humans are certainly susceptible to anthrax and if you walk around barefoot on a farm with an open cut you may find yourself with an anthrax infection. Anthrax is not very dangerous unless it is prepared as a weapon. You are in more danger from influenza or pneumonia. ;)
Is anthrax considered to be contagious?
A person with anthrax isn't considered contagious so if you get anthrax then no you are not contagious.
How is anthrax useful as a biological weapon?
Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon as only 100gms. of Anthrax released over a major city may cause up to 3 million casualties.
Is anthrax still used as a biological weapon today?
not officially, but probably yes.
What has the author John Parachini written?
John Parachini has written: 'Anthrax attacks, biological terrorism and preventive responses' -- subject- s -: Anthrax, Bioterrorism, Prevention, Terrorism
Is anthrax an element or a compound or a mixture?
It is a bacteria, used as a biological weapon. It is not an element, compound, or mixture.
What weapon can you use to get rid of anthrax?
antibiotics
What is bioterrorism?
The use of biological agents, such as pathogenic organisms or agricultural pests, for terrorist purposes. OR Terrorism using the weapons of biological warfare. OR Terrorism that relies on spreading diseases, such as anthrax and smallpox. OR The use of biological agents as weapons of terror. Anthrax bacteria are one such agent, while smallpox is considered one of the more likely lethal viruses that could serve as a weapon of bioterror.
What term might be used to refer to anthrax?
Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in four forms: skin, inhalation, intestinal, and injection.
How does anthrax move?
Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores.There are three types of anthrax: skin, lung and gastrointestinal.Anthrax from animals. You can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like wool, for example). You can also become infected with gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.Anthrax as a weapon. Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened in the US in 2001. Anthrax was spread by sending letters with powder containing anthrax. This caused 22 cases of anthrax infection, including several deaths.
Which method may be used to deliver biological?
Aerosols make an awesome weapon. They have been done before using anthrax spores.
What can Terrorism be a weapon of?
Terrorism can be a weapon of anyone and anything. Terrorism was used in ancient times. Terrorism was practiced by both sides in the French and Indian War, and during the American Revolution. Before the establishment of Israel as a nation, Jewish terrorists killed British soldiers. Terrorism was used widely by both the Axis and the Allies during World War 2. In one example of selective terrorism, a British Gurkha soldier would slip into a German camp and cut the throat of every other sleeping German soldier. Terrorism will serve the cause of any master who is willing to use it.
What has the author Jeanne Guillemin written?
Jeanne Guillemin has written: 'American anthrax' -- subject(s): Bioterrorism, Postal service, Victims of terrorism, Anthrax 'Anthropological Realities' 'Biological Weapons'
Which method may be used to deliver biological warfare?
Aerosols make an awesome weapon. They have been done before using anthrax spores.
