The outbreak of plague followed, forcing a retreat of the Genoese forces. The Tartars, however, converted their misfortune into an opportunity by hurling the cadavers of their deceased into the city, thus initiating a plague epidemic in the city. During the siege of Caffa, a well-fortified Genoese-controlled seaport (now Feodosia, Ukraine), in 1346, the attacking Tartar force experienced an epidemic of plague ( 3). Military leaders in the Middle Ages recognized that victims of infectious diseases could become weapons themselves ( 1). Polluting wells and other sources of water of the opposing army was a common strategy that continued to be used through the many European wars, during the American Civil War, and even into the 20th century. The crude use of filth and cadavers, animal carcasses, and contagion had devastating effects and weakened the enemy ( 2). Infectious diseases were recognized for their potential impact on people and armies as early as 600 BC ( 1). The threat of bioterrorism is real and significant it is neither in the realm of science fiction nor confined to our nation. This article explains the concepts of biological warfare and its states of development, its utilization, and the attempts to control its proliferation throughout history. Ease of production and the broad availability of biological agents and technical know how have led to a further spread of biological weapons and an increased desire among developing countries to have them. In addition, genetic engineering holds perhaps the most dangerous potential. During the past century, the progress made in biotechnology and biochemistry has simplified the development and production of such weapons. Biological warfare agents may be more potent than conventional and chemical weapons. Because of the increased threat of terrorism, the risk posed by various microorganisms as biological weapons needs to be evaluated and the historical development and use of biological agents better understood.
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