In order to hurt or kill people, animals, or plants, biological weapons use microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or poisons. These weapons, which have the potential to be catastrophic to both individuals and entire populations, can be delivered in a number of different ways, such as through the air, water, or food supply.
International law forbids the creation, manufacture, and stockpiling of biological weapons because their use poses a major risk to international security. Although they have been employed in the past, such as when Germany used anthrax and other infections against livestock during World War I and when Iraq allegedly used biological weapons against coalition soldiers during the Persian Gulf War.
The world community denounces the use of biological weapons and views it as a form of terrorism. To assist avoid and lessen the impacts of biological attacks, research is ongoing into the creation of efficient defences, such as vaccines and therapies.