Bacteriological weapons and their types

Bacteriological weapons are a means of mass destruction of people and other living organisms. Its action is to use bacterial agents. They include various microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) Sometimes to undermine the economic stability of the enemy use insects that destroy agricultural crops.

Bacteriological weapons are divided into several species depending on the agent used.

This means of mass destruction is a special ammunition or projectile, which is based on a biological substance.

The following types of bacteria and viruses are used to defeat the population, which lead to mass diseases: plague, anthrax, cholera, brucellosis, smallpox, Venezuelan horse encephalomyelitis, typhus, spotted fever, histoplasmosis, etc.

In order to have an effect on animals, they use pathogens of foot-and-mouth disease, plague, sapa, anthrax, false rabies, etc.

For the destruction of vegetation, causative agents of late blight of potatoes, rust of cereals, as well as insects, herbicides, defoliants, etc., are used.

All types of biological weapons differ in a latent period of action. That is, from the time of infection until the onset of symptoms, a long enough period can pass. At this time, the carrier of the virus can not guess about the danger that he presents to others. This is how the virus spreads and mass infection of people. The latent period can last from a few hours to two weeks.

Chemical and biological weapons are delivered in the same ways that are used in any other kind of weapons. These can be aviation bombs, mines, aerosol generators, shells and missiles. In addition, this type of weapons is delivered by diversion.

One of the most popular ways in which a bacteriological weapon spreads is to contaminate an air layer closer to the ground. This happens when the projectile explodes. Generators are activated that contribute to the formation of an aerosol cloud. As this cloud advances, living organisms become infected.

Another method of spreading bacteria and viruses is the use of infected animals (mainly rodents, ticks and insects).

Recognize the use of bacteriological weapons can be on the following grounds.

1. When a shell explodes, a cloud of smoke or fog is formed above the ground. The sound when the weapon is triggered is less sharp.

2. If a strip of smoke appeared behind the enemy aircraft for a short time, this indicates that bacteriological weapons were used.

3. Small drops of liquid or plaque on the ground, vegetation and objects form in the places of ruptures of shells.

4. Shell fragments have unusual details in the form of pistons, which allow creating an aerosol effect.

5. Unusually large concentrations of insects, rodents or mites for a given locality.

To prevent the use of biological weapons and timely eliminate its consequences, it is necessary to carry out a number of measures. This, above all, the implementation of reconnaissance operations in order to identify the intentions of the enemy to use this type of weapon. Then follows the constant monitoring of the air, water and the terrain as a whole and the identification of signs of infection. Observation of people's well-being and preventive measures. Timely detection of the extent of infection and use of protective equipment.

Bacteriological weapons and their use are under the control of the entire world community. Some countries signed an agreement on its non-use.