BIOTERRORISM

Published on 03 Feb 2025

Bioterrorism or Biological Attack is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock or crops. These agents can be deployed as biological weapons when paired with a delivery system, such as a missile or aerosol device.

Need for a Bioterrorism Law

• Security 

• India’s high vulnerability: High population density, Inadequate medical facilities, subtropical climatic conditions, poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation facilities make India extremely susceptible for such attacks.

• Ease Investigation and Prosecution: Bioterrorism laws empower law enforcement agencies to investigate suspicious activities, gather evidence, and apprehend individuals or groups involved in bioterrorist acts. 

• Ensure National Security: Bioterrorism laws can enhance a country's ability to safeguard its citizens and infrastructure against such threats. 

• Biosecurity Measures: Bioterrorism laws can ensure that institutions working with dangerous pathogens implement rigorous biosecurity measures, including secure handling, and storage which helps prevent accidental releases or theft of dangerous pathogens.

• Example: Cartagena Protocol on biosafety provides rules for the safe handling of biologically modified organisms.

• Safety 

• Public Safety: Bioterrorism laws provide a legal framework for authorities to respond rapidly and effectively to contain and manage such incidents.

• Example: The outbreaks of pneumonic plague in Surat and Bubonic plague in Beed (Gujarat) in 1994 resulted in mass casualties and increased attention to defence and intelligence outfits of India.

• Advancement in technology: In this era of biotechnology and nanotechnology has created an easy accessibility to more sophisticated biologic agents apart from the conventional bacteria, viruses and toxins.

• Example: The Scrub typhus outbreak in Assam and West Bengal of India during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965.

• Control its impact on society: Bioterrorism causes damage, fear, and anxiety among people and can cause large-scale mortality and morbidity in large populations and create civil disruption in the shortest possible time. 

• Example: While the COVID-19 pandemic is not a deliberate act of bioterrorism, it demonstrates the devastating impact of a naturally occurring infectious disease outbreak on a global scale.

• International Cooperation: Bioterrorism laws can provide a basis for countries to collaborate on intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated responses to cross-border bioterrorism incidents.

• Ethical Considerations: Bioterrorism laws can address ethical considerations surrounding the development and they can help define boundaries and standards for responsible research and use of biological materials.

• Example: WHO’s Public Health Emergency of International Concern stipulates steps to warn the nations in case of the spread of the epidemic.

Existing measures to counter bioterrorism 

• Security Measures 

• Bio-surveillance and Early Detection: Establishing robust surveillance systems to monitor trends in disease outbreaks, unusual patterns of illness, and environmental changes that might indicate a biological attack.

• Example: The Bio-Watch program is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative that uses air monitoring systems in major cities to detect the presence of airborne biological agents.

• Biosecurity Regulations and Oversight: Implementing strict regulations for the handling, transport, and storage of dangerous pathogens to prevent unauthorized access.

• Example: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialized force constituted under MHA to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks (CBRN).  

• Enhanced Laboratory Capacity: Strengthening laboratory facilities and capabilities to rapidly identify and characterize biological agents, enabling swift response and containment.

• Example: Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) involved in the development of defence against malicious biological, chemical as well as toxicological materials. 

• Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential targets that could be exploited by bioterrorists.

• Example: The ‘Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET) guidelines of India provide stringent export product control list that include goods, technologies and services related to dual usage items.  

• Preparedness Measures 

• Public Health Preparedness: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans for biological events, including coordination among public health agencies, healthcare providers, and law enforcement.

• Example: Stockpiling medical supplies, vaccines, antibiotics, and antiviral medications to ensure rapid treatment and containment.

• Training and Capacity Building: Training healthcare professionals, first responders, and laboratory personnel to recognize and respond to potential bioterrorism incidents.

• Example: Conducting drills and exercises to test the readiness of response systems and coordination mechanisms.

• Awareness and Communication: Educating the public about the risks of bioterrorism, the importance of reporting unusual symptoms, and the need for vigilance.

• Example: Establishing effective communication strategies to disseminate accurate and timely information during bioterrorism incidents.

• Research and Development: Investing in research and development of new vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools for potential biological agents that could be used in a terrorist attack.

• Cooperation and Coordination

• Biodefense Systems: Upgrading and installing biodefense systems in major urban conglomerates to protect against deadly disease outbreaks initiated by bioterrorism.

• Example: During the Cold War, the Soviet Union had set up several Biodefense systems across the country.

• International Cooperation: Collaborating with international partners to share intelligence, best practices, and lessons learned in countering bioterrorism.

Over the years, weaponry has evolved from traditional blades to dangerous biological agents. Effectively detecting, containing, treating, and communicating become critical elements in addressing the threats posed by bioterrorism.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Internal security Terrorism Bioterrorism Biodefense systems

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security