5-5. General
The US Army Veterinary Service is the Executive Agent for
veterinary services to all Services within the DOD. They ensure
that food and bottled water supplies are safe and provide
veterinary medical and surgical care for government-owned animals
throughout the AO. On the integrated battlefield, their role is
particularly important; the potential for food supplies becoming
contaminated with NBC agents is high. For detailed information on
provision of veterinary services see FM 8-10-18.
5-6. Food Protection
Food may become contaminated from enemy employment of NBC
weapons/agents or from terroristic contamination of food
procurement facilities and food supplies. The NBC agents may
be introduced during production or in the storage area of the
procurement facility; while the product is in transit; at the
military storage facility; or at the unit food service facility.
Regardless of where the agent is used, the effect is the same;
personnel will become ill or die if they consume the contaminated
food. To ensure food safety, veterinary personnel inspect and
monitor food from its procurement until it is issued to the
consumer. Throughout the AO, all Services (Army, Navy, Marine,
and Air Force) logistics and food service personnel must take
precautions to protect subsistence from contamination.
5-7. Food Decontamination
Veterinary personnel are involved in the detection and monitoring
of NBC contaminated rations; before use, they must inspect all
food suspected of being contaminated with NBC agents. Appendix J
provides guidance on food decontamination procedures. Veterinary
personnel provide advice on the decontamination of food to unit
personnel owning the food, or personnel performing the food
decontamination. Depending on the type of contamination and
packaging, the food may be--
· Consumed without being decontaminated.
· Decontaminated and then consumed.
· Destroyed.
Some items may be held to allow time for natural decay of nuclear
or chemical contamination before consumption. The commander,
with advice from veterinary personnel, makes the decision on the
disposition of the food. However, veterinary personnel make the
final determination of food safety.
5-8. Animal Care
Veterinary personnel are concerned with the protection of
government-owned animals and animals being procured for
consumption. Animals must be protected from NBC contamination,
whenever possible. Animals should be moved into enclosures to
protect them as much as possible from contamination. Protective
equipment is not available for military working dogs; however,
protection of the animal's feet and body must be considered. When
military working dogs must cross a contaminated area, protect
their feet by using butyl rubber material to improvise booties.
Since CPS systems are not available, animal treatment facilities
must be established in contamination free areas. Veterinary
treatment personnel must remain in MOPP Level 4 when caring for NBC
animal casualties until the animals have been decontaminated. The
treatment of military working dog NBC casualties is outlined in FM
8-10-18.