Abstract

LOPEZ-MUNOZ, F et al. Intentional biological threats: implications for National Security. Sanid. Mil. [online]. 2021, vol.77, n.2, pp.98-105.  Epub Sep 13, 2021. ISSN 1887-8571.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1887-85712021000200006.

The use of biological material as a weapon of war is as old as the war conflicts themselves, but after the signing, in 1972, of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (CABT), its military use has practically disappeared. However, it has become part of the attacks of terrorist groups, which constitute a real threat to National Security. Biological weapons are included within the group of so-called “weapons of mass destruction” and include all types of agents, microbial or not, viral, natural or recombinant, and their derived toxins. Among the key factors in the development of this type of intentional biological threats, it is worth mentioning the increase in the appearance of emerging pathogens, the great development of genetic modification and editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, or the diversion and smuggling of sensitive precursors and materials. To this end, the following measures have been implemented: launch of the National Biosecurity Commission; control of dual-use material exports; strengthening of the Security and Protection Area of the Customs and Special Taxes Department of the Tax Agency; development of the Network of Biological Alert Laboratories (RE-LAB), coordinated by the Carlos III Health Institute; collaboration of the Spanish Technical Assistance and Emergency Response Teams (START).

Keywords : Biological threats; biological weapons; viruses; National Security; terrorism; biosecurity.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )