What are biological weapons?

Weapons that are biological or poisonous are either microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, or toxic compounds created by living organisms that are intentionally produced and discharged to harm humans, animals, or plants.

It is a long-standing tradition in warfare to deploy poisons and infectious diseases directly against enemy personnel. In fact, even when they weren't intentionally utilised as weapons, viruses have killed more people in many conflicts than all the military weapons used together.

Although the term "weapons of mass destruction" is not really applicable to biological armaments, it is frequently used to refer to chemical, radiological, and nuclear weapons as well as biological weapons. Lethal biological weapons might be able to kill a lot of people, but they can't obliterate a lot of buildings, equipment, or infrastructure. But despite their indiscriminate nature, the majority of nations have chosen to outlaw the entire class due to their propensity to spark massive pandemics, their difficulties in managing disease consequences, and the mere dread they instil.

FAQs on What are biological weapons

Q. What is an example of a biological weapon?

Ans. Aflatoxin, anthrax, botulinum toxin, foot-and-mouth disease, glanders, plague, Q fever, rice blast, ricin, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, smallpox, and tularaemia are only a few examples of historical biological weapons programs.