Biological Warfare Threat Analysis More than 10 countries have, or are developing, a biological warfare capability. Production of biological warfare agents does not require specialized equipment or advanced technology. When comparing equivalent amounts of biological and chemical warfare agents, the biological agent is far more potent.
Small amounts can produce large numbers of casualties.
Many of the materials and equipment that are used to produce biological warfare agents are available from legitimate sources and intended for other uses. It is difficult to limit spread of biological warfare agents because of the dual-use nature of the equipment and technologies. There is a legitimate market for legal products which can be produced with this equipment, i.e., pharmaceuticals, biopesticides, etc.