Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 4: Biological Agents

4-1. BIOLOGICAL WARFARE

The term biological warfare (BW) may cause feelings of terror and horror. The mere threat of a biological attack can be a psychological weapon that could lead to collapse of morale and panic. In biological warfare, biological agents are used to weaken the opposing force. A biological agent is a microorganism that causes disease in humans, plants, or animals or which causes deterioration in material. Normally, the term is used to mean a microorganism or the toxin from a microorganism that produces disease in humans. A biological agent can be used to injure, kill, or weaken soldiers and reduce their ability to fight.