
Key points:
The dark history of anthrax: From livestock to bio-warfare
Anthrax is no ordinary bacterium. Its spores, capable of lying dormant in soil for centuries, have plagued humanity since antiquity. Historically, it infected livestock and those handling animal products—wool, hides, and meat. But in the 20th century, militaries and covert programs recognized its potential as a weapon.
During World War II, the U.S., UK, and Soviet Union aggressively pursued anthrax as a bioweapon. The infamous 1979 Sverdlovsk incident exposed the Soviet Union’s accidental release of weaponized anthrax, killing at least 66 people. Decades later, in 2001, letters laced with powdered anthrax spores were mailed to U.S. media and politicians, killing five and infecting 17. The FBI’s investigation pointed to a U.S. Army researcher, yet unanswered questions linger—was this a state-sponsored false flag or a lone actor’s work?
How anthrax is weaponized: A silent, invisible killer
Anthrax’s appeal to bioterrorists lies in its stealth and lethality. Unlike chemical weapons, spores are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. A single gram of refined anthrax powder could contain trillions of spores—enough to kill millions if dispersed efficiently.
Methods of deployment include:
The CDC classifies anthrax as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent—meaning it poses the highest risk of mass casualties. And while governments claim to regulate its use, whistleblowers and leaked documents suggest clandestine stockpiles remain.
Global outbreaks and the bioweapon connection
Thailand’s outbreak may seem isolated, but history suggests otherwise. In 2016, a reindeer anthrax outbreak in Siberia, linked to thawing permafrost, killed a child and infected dozens. Scientists warn that climate change could unleash dormant spores buried for centuries.
More sinisterly, outbreaks often coincide with geopolitical tensions. Was Thailand’s case a natural occurrence—or a test run for something far deadlier? Given the U.S. and Russia’s past anthrax programs, skepticism is warranted.
Surviving an anthrax attack: What you must know
If anthrax is released, every second counts. Inhalation anthrax kills within days if untreated. Key survival steps:
Whether through natural outbreaks or deliberate attacks, Bacillus anthracis remains one of humanity’s most formidable biological foes.
Sources include:
Dailymail.co.uk
CDC.gov
CDC.gov
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