BIO TERRORISM

AMANDA J.

Muhammed Ashir,Muhammd Hanin,Muhammed VK

E N G L I S H P R O J E C T
 INDEX
Sno Title Page no.

1 Objective

2 Action Plan

3 What is Bioterrorism?

4 History

5 Harmful effects on society

6 Prevention

7 Conclusion

8 Student Reflection

9 Bibliography
 OBJECTIVE
The objective of a bioterrorism project is to assess
vulnerabilities and preparedness levels in order to
develop effective response strategies against
potential bioterrorism threats. This involves
identifying and classifying dangerous biological
agents that could be weaponized, such as viruses,
bacteria, or toxins, and determining their potential
impact on public health and safety. The project
aims to enhance public health infrastructure
through improved surveillance, detection, and
medical countermeasures while fostering
collaboration between healthcare, law
enforcement, and emergency response systems.
Additionally, it seeks to raise public awareness,
promote education on bioterrorism risks, and
support research into advanced technologies,
vaccines, and treatments. Global cooperation is
also emphasized to prevent, detect, and respond to
bioterror threats on an international scale.
 ACTION PLAN
During the first term we were informed about
the project and outline was provided although
detailed information regarding the format was
provided after term 1 examination which gave
ample time to plan about how to proceed with
the project. After that different topics based on
which project can be prepared were provided
and finalised.
Further research regarding the topic was done,
a questionnaire was made and responses were
received. All the information either from
internet or questionnaire responses was
combined and a draft was prepared and
submitted. After making some
amendments,approval from the teacher was
received and this project was completed
 WHAT IS
BIOTERRORISM?
Bioterrorism refers to the intentional release of
biological agents or toxins for the purpose of harming
or killing humans, animals or plants with the intent to
intimidate or coerce a government or civilian
population to further political or social objectives.

Effective responses involve preparedness, detection,

and rapid medical intervention.
Bioterrorism poses significant public health risks, as it
can lead to widespread fear, disruption, and economic
consequences.
 HISTORY OF
BIOTERRORISM
By the time World War I began,attempts to use
anthrax were directed at animal populations. This
generally proved to be ineffective.

Shortly after the start of World War I, Germany

launched a biological sabotage campaign in the
United States, Russia, Romania, and France.

At that time, Anton Dilger lived in Germany, but in

1915 he was sent to the United States carrying cultures
of glanders, a virulent disease of horses and mules.
Dilger set up a laboratory in his home in Chevy
Chase, Maryland. He used stevedores working the
docks in Baltimore to infect horses with glanders
while they were waiting to be shipped to Britain.

The attack infected 751 people with severe food

poisoning. There were no fatalities. This incident was
the first known bioterrorist attack in the United States
in the 20th century.It was also the single largest
bioterrorism attack on U.S. soil
Dilger was under suspicion as being a German agent, but
was never arrested. Dilger eventually fled to Madrid,
Spain, where he died during the Influenza Pandemic of
1918.In 1916, the Russians arrested a German agent with
similar intentions. Germany and its allies infected French
cavalry horses and many of Russia's mules and horses on
the Eastern Front. These actions hindered artillery and
troop movements, as well as supply convoys.

In 1972, police in Chicago arrested two college students,

Allen Schwander and Stephen Pera, who had planned to
poison the city's water supply with typhoid and other
bacteria. Schwander had founded a terrorist group,
"R.I.S.E.", while Pera collected and grew cultures from
the hospital where he worked. The two men fled to Cuba
after being released on bail. Schwander died of natural
causes in 1974, while Pera returned to the U.S. in 1975
and was put on probation.

In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO)

announced the eradication of smallpox, a highly
contagious and incurable disease. Although the disease
has been eliminated in the wild, frozen stocks of smallpox
virus are still maintained by the governments of the
United States and Russia.
Disastrous consequences are feared if rogue politicians or
terrorists were to get hold of the smallpox strains. Since
vaccination programs are now terminated, the world
population is more susceptible to smallpox than ever
before.

In Oregon in 1984, followers of the Bhagwan Shree

Rajneesh attempted to control a local election by
incapacitating the local population. They infected salad
bars in 11 restaurants, produce in grocery stores,
doorknobs, and other public domains with Salmonella
typhimurium bacteria in the city of The Dalles, Oregon.
The attack infected 751 people with severe food
poisoning. There were no fatalities. This incident was the
first known bioterrorist attack in the United States in the
20th century.It was also the single largest bioterrorism
attack on U.S. soil

In June 1993, the religious group Aum Shinrikyo released

anthrax in Tokyo. Eyewitnesses reported a foul odour.
The attack was a failure, because it did not infect a single
person. The reason for this is due to the fact that the
group used the vaccine strain of the bacterium. The
spores which were recovered from the site of the attack
showed that they were identical to an anthrax vaccine
strain that was given to animals at the time.
These vaccine strains are missing the genes that cause a
symptomatic response.

In September and October 2001, several cases of anthrax

broke out in the United States, apparently deliberately
caused. Letters laced with infectious anthrax were
concurrently delivered to news media offices and the U.S.
Congress, alongside an ambiguously related case in Chile.
The letters killed five people.
 WHAT IS ANTHRAX?

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the

bacterium *Bacillus anthracis*. It primarily affects livestock
and wild animals, but it can also infect humans, typically
through exposure to contaminated animal products or
spores. There are three main forms of anthrax in humans:
1.Cutaneous: The most common form, occurring through
skin contact with spores, leading to sores or ulcers.
2.Inhalation: A severe and often fatal form resulting from
inhaling spores, causing respiratory issues.
3.Gastrointestinal: Occurs after ingesting contaminated food,
leading to nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Anthrax can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught

early. Vaccines are available for those at high risk.
WHAT IS SMALL POX?
Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused
by the variola virus. It is characterised by fever, body
aches, and a distinctive rash that develops into pus-filled
blisters. Smallpox was transmitted from person to person,
primarily through respiratory droplets.

The disease was declared eradicated in 1980 after a

successful global vaccination campaign led by the World
Health Organization. Because of this eradication, routine
smallpox vaccination is no longer necessary. However,
there are concerns about the potential use of the variola
virus
as a bioterrorism agent due to its devastating effects if
reintroduced.
HARMFUL EFFECT ON
SOCIETY
Bioterrorism and other high consequence biological
events can result in mass casualties, epidemic illness,
healthcare worker illness, environmental
contamination, legal issues, and cause unease within
the medical community and the community at large.

In addition to agents of concern due to their possible

use in a bioterrorist attack, this Topic Collection
(TC) contains information on other potential high
consequence threats from emerging diseases,
accidental releases, and scientific advances, such as
dual use research and synthetic biology.

Biological incidents call for collaboration between

multiple disciplines including healthcare, public
health, emergency management, and law
enforcement and require specific planning and
response interventions.
 PREVENTION
The best defence against bioterrorism is a strong public
health system. In response to the threat of bioterrorism,
Congress authorised the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to coordinate efforts to upgrade
national public health capability to counter bioterrorism.

Many of the same steps you would take to prepare

yourself and your family for a natural disaster such as a
flood or major storm would also be helpful in preparing
for an incident of bioterrorism. For instance, making
plans for getting in touch with family members after a
disaster and preparing emergency kits for your home,
work, and your children's school are simple things you can
do.

You should recognize, however, that some preparedness

items or actions that could prove valuable in some
emergency situations might not be useful in the special
case of bioterrorism. Bioterrorism is different from
terrorist attacks that involve explosives or chemicals.
 CONCLUSION
This research based project aims for the adequate
knowledge to be perceived by the readers on the
topic “BIOTERRORISM” which now is a leading
or prominent threat by global society in this
revolutionary world.

This project gives readers the idea of how provoking

and dangerous as well as the rapidly spread threat is
bioterrorism. It also mentions how to prevent it .So
let's develop our society into a better one by having
awareness on this life threatening issue.
 STUDENT REFLECTION
ON BIOTERRORISM
PROJECT
Working on the bioterrorism project has been an eye-
opening experience for me. Initially, I had a limited
understanding of the topic, mainly associating it with fear
and sensationalism media portrayals. However, as I
researched the historical incidents, scientific implications,
and ethical considerations, I gained a deeper appreciation
for the complexity of bioterrorism.

I learned about various biological agents and their

potential impact on public health. This research
highlighted the importance of preparedness and response
strategies, as well as the role of international cooperation
in preventing bioterrorism. I found the ethical dilemmas
surrounding bioweapons particularly compelling, as they
challenge our understanding of warfare and human rights.

Collaborating with my classmates was another valuable

aspect of this project. Sharing insights and debating
different perspectives enhanced my critical thinking skills
and fostered a deeper understanding of the topic.
It also made me realise the importance of
interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex issues
like bioterrorism.

Overall, this project not only expanded my knowledge

but also ignited a passion for public health and
security. I feel more informed and empowered to
engage in discussions about biological threats and their
implications for society.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
BioterrorismWikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioterrorism

BBC news

WHO:https://www.who.int/health-
topics/biological-weapons