March 14, 2002

'33'

BIO-ATTACK

    The measures available with the Government to repulse the bio-attack are detection, individual protection, medical protection and disinfection of agents. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed several devices like diagnostic kits and individual protective devices like gas mask, canister and suit. Medical protection is available in the trade using anti-biotics.

    No medicine has been developed by DRDO to cure malaria. However, medicines are available in the trade for this purpose. DRDO has been working on screening and evaluation of plant products as larvicides/repellents to prevent the bites of mosquitoes, blackflies and leeches to prevent the disease.

    The insect repellant Di Ethyl Phenyl Actamide has been developed by DRDO and it has no side effects.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Haribhau Shankar Mahale in Lok Sabha today.