Anthrax and Bioterrorism :: Biological Terrorism Terrorist Homeland Security

Bioterrorism, in the last decade, has commence a real menace to the world. Since the splenic fever attacks on American begrime in 2001, the world has sprain aware of the potential risk of an anthrax attack. Anthrax is the disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria. Ever since early history, anthrax has occurred in livestock animals and in humans. The bacteria prevent the macrophages from communicating with the rest of the body. Thus, the body cannot fend of anthrax and slowly organs begin to deteriorate. However, a series of antibiotics and vaccinations are visible(prenominal) in case of an exposure to anthrax.Bacillus anthracis, or anthrax, has recently become a greatly feared pandemic. The breakout of anthrax on American soil in October of 2001 opened the worlds eyes to the possibilities of bioterrorism of anthrax. Since then, government associations, such as the CDC and EPA, have taken precautions in case of another bioterrorist attack, particularly an anthrax attac k.The history of anthrax dates back to biblical times in antediluvian patriarch Egypt (Anthrax Info 1). In 16th Century B.C., the Israelites were under the control of coercive Ramses II. According to Bible, a series of plagues fell upon Egypt in attempt to fall by the wayside the Israelites. One of these plagues involved the death of the cattle, sheep, and goats. Many historians believed the cause of death was collectible to anthrax inhalation. The first non-livestock case of anthrax occurred in the early nineteenth Century (Anthrax Info 4). After coming into contact with anthrax give animals, many farmers were cutaneously inoculated with anthrax. This outbreak sparked the scientific research of anthrax.2Written sustenance of anthrax began with Robert Kochs breakthrough of the bacteria that caused anthrax. Koch per make experiments that explained the attributes of anthrax. Using the spleens of anthrax infected animals, Koch inoculated mice (Elsevier 3). The mice by and by di ed and Koch concluded that anthrax could be transferred through the bloodstream. Koch also grew Bacillus anthracis in a culture to further his research. During the incubation process, Koch noticed that the bacteria formed spores when faced with a harsh environment (Elsevier 4). He later discovered that such spores could still cause the anthrax disease. Because of his revolutionary findings, Koch is credited with discovery of anthrax.Using Kochs discoveries, 20th Century scientists began developing weaponized anthrax. Due to the spores durability, anthrax has been a very favorable biological weapon. The first incident of weaponized anthrax was recorded during the First World War.