20 February 1998
FACT SHEET: BIOLOGICAL WARFARE THREAT ANALYSIS
(DOD concerned about capability of more than 10 nations) (180)
(The following fact sheet on the Biological Warfare Threat Analysis
was issued by the Department of Defense in December, 1997)
More than 10 countries have, or are developing, a biological warfare
capability.
-- Production of biological warfare agents does not require
specialized equipment or advanced technology.
-- When comparing equivalent amounts of biological and chemical
warfare agents, the biological agent is far more potent.
-- Small amounts can produce large numbers of casualties.
-- Delivery vehicles include: aerial bombs, artillery shells,
long-range missiles, agricultural sprayers, and spray tanks carried by
aircraft.
Many of the materials and equipment that are used to produce
biological warfare agents are available from legitimate sources and
intended for other uses.
-- It is difficult to limit spread of biological warfare agents
because of the dual-use nature of the equipment and technologies.
-- There is a legitimate market for legal products which can be
produced with this equipment, i.e., pharmaceuticals, biopesticides,
etc.
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