npr.org/news/ specials/response/anthrax/features/2001/oct/011018.bioterrorism.history.html). Two recent events that involve the use of biological warfare include the attack on Tokyo's subways with sarin by a local cult and the mailing of letters containing anthrax spores in New York which is the most recent biological attack in America.
Anthrax, or Bacillus anthracis, is an extremely potent and commonly used biological agent. A millionth of a gram of anthrax is enough to kill a person (http://jama.ama-assn.org/ issues/v278 n5/ffull/jco71009.html). Anthrax is a sporulating rod and is usually carried by domestic animals (http://jama.ama-assn.org/ issues/v278n5/ffull/jco71009.html). It is a bacterial infection that can be acquired by contact with infected victims, or by inhalation of the anthrax spores (http://www.npr.org/news/ specials/response/anthrax/features/2001/oct/011018.bioterrorism .history.html). When anthrax is contracted by inhalation, it leads to a lung infection that kill its victim by toxic shock in a few days. If contracted by contact, it can create sores that can lead to death by blood poisoning (http://www.npr.org/news/ specials/response/anthrax/features/2001 /oct/011018.bioterrorism.history.html). Anthrax is so dangerous because it is easily cultivated and the spores are highly resistant to sunlight, heat, and disinfectants (http://www.usdpi.org/ anthrax _-_dod_medical_guide.htm). Anthrax may be treated with high doses of penicillin and there is also a vaccine for anthrax (http://www.usdpi.org/anthrax_-_dod_medical_guide.htm). Anthrax spores were first weaponized by the United States in the 1950's before the offensive program was terminated and many other countries have weaponized this agent or are suspected of doing so.
Another commonly used biological agent is brucellosis. Brucellosis is one of the world's most important veterinary diseases, and is caused by infection with one of six species of Brucellae (http://www.
