Zoonotic and Parasitic Agents in Bioterrorism

Authors: Etukudoh NS, Ejinaka O, Obeta U*, Utibe E, Lote-Nwaru I, Agbalaka P and Shaahia D

Volume 4, Issue 2

Abstract

A variety of agents have a potential risk for being used as weapons of biological terrorism. Parasitic and zoonotic agents could contribute to the installation of fear in human population upon intentional addition to their food and water supplies. Detection of diseases in animals and humans maybe essential in predicting a bioterrorism event since most threat agents of bioterrorism are microbes causing zoonotic and parasitic diseases. Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Variolar major, Francisella tularensis, some helminthes, Ebola hemorrhagic fever and Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been implicated as zoonotic and parasitic agents of bioterrorism. Government, infectious disease agencies and anti-terrorism bodies should plan ahead on possible vaccines, drugs and consumables that can be used in the cases of such zoonotic and parasitic forms of bioterrorism.

Keywords: Bioterrorism; Zoonosis; Parasites; Coronavirus; Diseases; Biologicals

View PDF