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.
Section III. LABORATORY SERVICES
5-9. General
Laboratory services must continue their support role even under NBC conditions. For the provision of clinical and diagnostic support, the facility must be located in a contamination-free area or be inside collective protection. Designated laboratories within the theater will analyze NBC samples/specimens (including in theater field confirmation identification of biological agents by evaluating specimens from symptomatic patients and animals and environmental samples collected from the AO). See [Appendix B] for procedures in collecting biological samples/specimens, handling/packaging, maintaining chain of custody, transporting samples/specimens, and analysis.