The PVNTMED sections of the brigade, divisional, and nondivisional medical companies perform analysis on water sources and supplies to determine the presence or absence of NBC/TIM contamination; see [Appendix I] for additional information. Based upon their findings, the water is released for consumption, or is restricted from use until it is treated (usually by water production personnel using the reverse osmosis water purification unit [ROWPU]). They also collect water samples for suspect biological agent contamination for supporting medical laboratory analysis (see [Appendix B]). They conduct medical surveillance activities, to include occupational and environmental health threat surveillance. They conduct limited entomological surveys to determine the existence of disease-vectoring arthropods in the AO. They inspect food service facilities to determine the extent, if any, of NBC contamination. They evaluate the unit's—
- Immunization status.
- Use of prophylaxis for specific diseases (such as antimalarial tablets) (see FM 4-02.33), for nuclear radiation exposure (such as granisetron for nausea and vomiting) (see FM 4-02.283), and for BW agents (such as Ciprofloxacin for postexposure chemoprophylaxis for Anthrax) (see FM 8-284).
- Use of nerve agent pyridostigmine pretreatment tablets (see FM 8-285), if warranted.
- Application of personal hygiene and field sanitation procedures (FM 21-10/MCRP 4-11.1D).
- Based upon their findings, they provide recommendations for corrective actions to the commanders. They assist in training US Army unit field sanitation teams (FM 4-25.12); they are not members of the unit field sanitation team. They conduct medical surveillance activities for their command (FM 4-02.17).
5-4. Preventive Medicine Detachment
The PVNTMED detachment provides PVNTMED services on an area support basis to units within their assigned AO. These services include, but are not limited to—
- Conducting water surveillance, including NBC contamination. Collecting water samples suspected of NBC/TIM contamination for analysis by supporting medical laboratory (see [Appendix B]).
- Performing food service sanitary inspections.
- Conducting medical surveillance and providing epidemiological consultation.
- Conducting pest (arthropod and rodent) surveys and surveillance.
- Conducting arthropod control operations. The aerial spraying missions are dependent upon availability of helicopter support.
- Conducting occupational and industrial hygiene surveys.
- Advising commanders on the application of PMM.
- Training the supported units' field sanitation teams.
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.