Biological warfare, also known as germ warfare, is the use of biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins) as weapons of war with the intention of causing harm to humans, animals, or plants. This type of warfare is considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of conflict due to the potential for widespread harm and the difficulty of controlling the spread of biological agents.
Biological weapons can be spread through the air, water, or soil, and can infect people, animals, or plants. The effects of biological weapons can range from mild to severe and can include symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as more serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, and encephalitis. In some cases, exposure to biological weapons can lead to death.
The use of biological weapons is prohibited by international law, including the 1925 Geneva Protocol and the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention. Despite this, there have been instances of the use of biological weapons throughout history, and there are concerns that some countries may still be developing biological weapons.
In conclusion, biological warfare refers to the use of biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins) as weapons with the intention of causing harm to humans, animals, or plants. This type of warfare is considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of conflict and is prohibited by international law.