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OTHER AGENTS
Botulinal Toxins
WE SPEAK
Italiano
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POLL
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PRECAUTIONS
Unlike chemical agents like Cyanide which disperse over time, Anthrax [spores] can survive in soil, water and elsewhere for as long as 40 years and is highly resistant to eradication. They can only be killed by steam sterilization or burning, but not by disinfectants. An infection of wild stock populations could follow a biological attack with spores. The infected animals could then pass on the disease to people.
An Anthrax Vaccine does exist and it is at present produced under contract to the Department of Defense. The immunization consists of three injections given two weeks apart followed by three additional shots given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are required to maintain a protective level of immunity. This particular method is effective when dealing with Anthrax contacted through the skin and is believed to be effective against inhaled spores in the case of a biological warfare attack. For those unvaccinated individuals, antibiotics like penicillin is known to lessen the severity of the illness, two million units every two hours administered intervenously.
It was formerly thought that inhaled spores are 100% fatal despite treatment but monkeys exposed to Anthrax spores have responded successfully to antibiotics, implying that antibiotic therapy may be useful in a biological warfare setting. Exposed clothing and materials should be burnt and exposed hair thoroughly shampooed. Exposed surfaces may be washed with 10% formaldehyde in water, chloride solution, 3% hydrogen peroxide or 3% peracetic acid. Food contamination would require prolonged sterilization to ensure the safety of all animal and food products.