View source for Biological warfare

{{War}}
'''Biological warfare''' (or '''germ warfare''') is when [[pathogen]]s are used as a [[weapon]]. This is called a [[biological weapon]]. Pathogens are [[microorganisms]] that can cause [[disease]]. If non-living things (like [[toxin]]s) are used, this is called [[chemical warfare]]. 

Biological warfare has been used throughout history. The first form of biological warfare may have been when the plague hit the [[Mongols]]. During battle, they were said to have thrown plague victims' bodies at their enemies. Before the 20th century, it took some of the following forms:
*Deliberate [[poison]]ing of [[food]] or [[water]] supplies with infectious materials
*Use of microorganisms, living or dead animals in a weapon system.
*Use of [[textile|fabrics]] that are [[contamination|contaminated]]

During the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], biological weapons were used by the Japanese army against [[China]]. The Japanese army usually launched contaminated fleas or food from planes.

Today, pathogens for diseases like [[Anthrax (disease)|anthrax]] or [[smallpox]] could be used as agents for biological weapons.

The production, and stockpiling of such weapons was forbidden in the [[Biological Weapons Convention]] of 1972.

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[[category:war]]
[[category:Biology]]