Section II. VETERINARY SERVICES

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—

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.