YES, Virginia, there is a Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which outlaws the use, possession or development of chemical or biological weapons. Formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition, Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxic Weapons and on their Destruction, it is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. It was concluded in 1972 and took effect in 1975.

The scope of the treaty’s prohibition includes all microbial and other biological agents or toxins and their means of delivery, with exemptions for medical and defensive purposes in small quantities. Be it known that it is not the biological agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) or toxins but rather certain purposes for which they may be employed that are prohibited. Thus, permitted purposes are enumerated as “prophylactic, protective and other peaceful purposes.” Parties, likewise, undertake to never, in any circumstance, develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain “…weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.” In short, peaceful uses of biological science and technology is encouraged.