Biotechnology - U.S. Department of Defense

Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens

Lieutenant Colonel Joel O. Almosara, USAF

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US Air Force Counterproliferation Center

Future Warfare Series No. 53

BIOTECHNOLOGY: GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PATHOGENS

by Joel O. Almosara, Lt Col, BSC, USAF

The Counterproliferation Papers Future Warfare Series No. 53

USAF Counterproliferation Center

Air University Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

BIOTECHNOLOGY: GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PATHOGENS

Lt Col Joel Almosara, BSC, USAF

June 2010

The Counterproliferation Papers Series was established by the USAF Counterproliferation Center to provide information and analysis to assist the understanding of the U.S. national security policy-makers and USAF officers to help them better prepare to counter the threat from weapons of mass destruction. Copies of No. 53 and previous papers in this series are available from the USAF Counterproliferation Center, 325 Chennault Circle, Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6427. The fax number is (334) 953-7530, phone (334) 953-7538.

Counterproliferation Paper No. 53 USAF Counterproliferation Center

Air University Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama 36112-6427 The Internet address for the USAF Counterproliferation Center is:

Table of Contents

Disclaimer.............................................................................................................VII Acknowledgements................................................................................................VIII Author................................................................................................................... IX I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1 II. CONVENTIONAL BIOLOGICAL WARFARE ...................................................................... 4 III. ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY: GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PATHOGENS ....... 8

Binary biological weapons:......................................................................................................... 9 Designer Genes and Life Forms:............................................................................................... 10 Gene Therapy as a Weapon:...................................................................................................... 13 Stealth Viruses: ......................................................................................................................... 15 Host Swapping Diseases: .......................................................................................................... 16 Designer Diseases: .................................................................................................................... 17 IV. WHAT WILL MAKE GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PATHOGENS A PLAUSIBLE CHOICE AS A BIOWEAPON..................................................................................................... 18 V. DRAG/FRICTION POINTS................................................................................................... 22 Biological Warfare International Agreements: ......................................................................... 22 Bioethical Issues:....................................................................................................................... 23 VI. SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS ............................................................................................ 25 VII. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................... 27 BIBLIOGRAPHY......................................................................................................................... 29

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Disclaimer

The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, it is not copyrighted, but is the property of the United States government.

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