Context: A parliamentary panel has highlighted the need for the government to formulate effective laws to counter bio- terrorism, stating the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic have taught a lesson on the importance of controlling biological agents and the need of strategic partnerships among different nations.
About Bio-terrorism or Biological Attack

• It is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock or crops.

Biological Weapons

• They use microorganisms and natural toxins to produce disease in humans, animals, or plants.
• Biological weapons can be derived from: bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, biological toxins and fungi.
• These agents can be deployed as biological weapons when paired with a delivery system, such as a missile or aerosol device.
• Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack.
• The most destructive bioterrorism scenario is the airborne dispersion of pathogens over a major population region.
• Tropical agricultural pathogens or pests can be used as anticrop agents to hamper the food security worldwide.
• It is a substantial threat because small amounts of biotic agents can be effortlessly hidden, transported and discharged into vulnerable populations.
• It can impact and expose military and civilian susceptibilities to biological weapons and to the complexity of offering ample safeguards.
• Bioweapons experts believe that currently bioterrorists probably lack the biotechnological capability to produce-super pathogens or super pests.

Key Points

• The committee has stressed on the need to formulate effective laws to counter bio-terrorism as one of the important lessons to be learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report provides a seven-point action plan that is needed to ensure security against biological weapons. The major aspects of this involve the following:

• Strengthening disease surveillance, including at animal-human interface.
• Training and capacity building for management of public health emergencies arising from use of bio-weapons.
• Strengthening research activities related to development of diagnostics, vaccines and drugs.
• The Health Ministry should pursue strategic partnerships among different nations.