"Pathogens for War explores how Canada and its allies have attempted to deal with the threat of germ warfare, one of the most fearful weapons of mass destruction, since the Second World War. In addressing this subject, distinguished historian Donald Avery investigates the relationship between bioweapons, poison gas, and nuclear devices, as well as the connection between bioattacks and natural disease pandemics. Avery emphasizes the crucially important activities of Canadian biodefence scientists - beginning with Nobel Laureate Frederick Banting - at both the national level and through cooperative projects within the framework of an elaborate alliance system" -- Preliminary page.

Canada's role in Allied biological warfare planning in the Second World War -- Bioweapons in the Cold War : scientific research, civil defence and international controversy -- Operational biological weapons and Alliance cooperation, 1955-1969 -- Canada and BW disarmament : national and international developments, 1968-1975 -- Triple threats : biowarfare, terrorism and pandemics, 1970-1985 -- Preventing germ warfare in the age of the biotechnology revolution -- Biodefence after 9/11 : old problems and new directions.