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Biological weapons control. Prospects and implications for the future
R P Kadlec1, A P Zelicoff, A M Vrtis
1Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC, USA.
JAMA
|August 6, 1997
Summary
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention lacks monitoring. Investigating disease outbreaks and misuse allegations can identify illicit biological activities and strengthen global health security.
Area of Science:
- Biosecurity and International Law
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), established in 1975, prohibits biological weapons but lacks a verification mechanism.
- 140 nations have ratified the BWC, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to create a legally binding protocol for enhanced compliance.
Observation:
- Strengthening the BWC requires diagnostic measures with high predictive value, similar to medical diagnostics.
- Few proposed measures meet these stringent criteria for effectiveness and reliability.
Findings:
- Investigating unusual disease outbreaks and allegations of biological weapons use are highly effective indicators of illicit activities.
- These investigative approaches can identify violations while minimizing the risk of false accusations.
Implications:
- Information gathered through BWC strengthening measures can bolster global public health initiatives.
- Enhanced BWC oversight contributes to controlling emergent diseases and establishing international norms against biological weapons proliferation.
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