Biological Agents
Primary reference(s)
UNODA, 1972. Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction: Article I. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Accessed 1 December 2019.
Additional scientific description
Because biological material (irrespective of its means of synthesis, production or application) can have both peaceful and nonpeaceful purposes, no purely scientific definition of prohibited items is possible; although indicative lists have been developed by the Australia Group (2015) and governments to implement strategic trade controls.
Bacteria: Bacillus anthracis (the bacterium causing Anthrax) is one of the most common biological agents used because its spores are easily found in nature, can be produced in a laboratory, and can persist for a long time in the environment. People get infected with anthrax when spores get into the body. The microscopic spores can be put into powders, sprays, food, and water (WHO, 2008).
Toxins: Botulinum toxin, also known as Agent X is the most toxic agent known to humankind and is a very potent neurotoxin, which blocks the release of critical enzymes from the human nervous system. The lethal dose for humans of such toxins is in the sub-microgram range, which is many times lower (more toxic) than the dosage for nerve agents. Ricin (produced in nature in the seeds of the castor bean plant) and saxitoxin (produced in nature by cyanobacteria) are also listed in Schedule 1 of the Convention, however their toxicity is less than for Botulinum toxin (UNODA, 1972; Nigam and Nigam, 2010).
Viruses: These include virus derived diseases, particularly smallpox which was eradicated in 1980. Although smallpox, caused by variola virus no longer occurs naturally, the threat remains. There are concerns that variola virus, may exist outside of the two World Health Organization (WHO)-designated collaborating centres in the United States and Russia. The risk for an intentional or accidental release of the smallpox virus is believed to be low, but the effects of such an event could be devastating. The potential consequences make planning for a smallpox emergency critical (CDC, no date).
Metrics and numeric limits
Assessment of treaty compliance is partly based on the understanding and application of a so-called General Purpose Criterion (GPC) as it pertains to ‘hostile uses’ or in ‘armed conflict’ (Article I). Since the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) covers toxins, the international legal prohibition against biological warfare should also be understood to include ‘method of warfare’ (UNODA, 1972).
Grey areas exist with respect to formulations and applications that differ from those developed by historical state biological weapons programmes, including for behaviour modification or for use in situations outside traditional understanding of stateto- state armed conflict such as peacekeeping or counter-terrorism operations.
Key relevant UN convention / multilateral treaty
The GPC, which is embodied in the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention’s definition of prohibited activities, is the mechanism that ensures the Convention’s prohibitions remain comprehensive in scope, including in terms of scientific and technological developments.
Examples of drivers, outcomes and risk management
Not available.
References
Australia Group, 2015. Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive Chemical or Biological Items. Accessed 13 September 2020.
CDC, no date. Information for Public Health Departments and Healthcare Facilities: Small poc: Bioterrorism Response Planning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accessed 30 April 2020.
Nigam, P.K. and A. Nigam, 2010. Botulinum toxin. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 55:8-14.
UNODA, 1972. Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction: Article I. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Accessed 26 April 2020.
WHO, 2008. Anthrax in humans and animals, 4th edition. World Health Organization (WHO). Accessed 1 December 2019.