International trade in biological weapons

Trade in biological warfare technology

Nature

The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention bars development and stockpiling of such agents. But that prohibition applies only to states, not private individuals or companies who can legally develop, produce and export biological weapons.

Incidence

According to a 1998 report, the prestigious Institut Pasteur in Paris had furnished Iraq with an attenuated strain of the so-called "Stern" vaccine in 1986-87. The American Type Culture Collection, in Rockvillem, Maryland, provided Iraq with three strains of the anthrax bacillus of the "vollum" type, which can cause anthrax. Austrian, Swedish and Swiss companies, which were not identified in the report, provided Iraq with fermentation tanks that can be used to grow germs.

Claim

International trade in biological weapons poses an unprecedented threat to global security and public health. The potential for devastating pandemics, bioterrorism, and loss of life is alarmingly high. This illicit trade undermines international treaties and fosters a dangerous environment where rogue states and terrorist organizations can acquire deadly pathogens. Urgent action is needed to strengthen regulations, enhance surveillance, and promote international cooperation to combat this critical issue before it spirals out of control.