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Filename:10-91.91a
                                                                  
     10-91, NO. 1
                                                       
Week ending 6 March 1991

               AFMIC  WEEKLY MEDICAL
                                 INTELLIGENCE WIRE

	Animals as Sentinels
                       for Presence of CBW Agents (U)

   A suspect positive anthrax air sample was identified on 23 
February 1991 at a logistics base in the vicinity of Sodowiyat 
along Tapline Road.  Additional sampling in the area was 
conducted, but subsequent tests were negative.  The numbers of 
dead sheep were noted in the area.  Additionally, individual ad 
groups of dead goats and camels (may clustered around opened feed 
bags) had been identified during 16-21 February l99l along main 
supply routes in surrounding regions (Qaryat al thya, 27-33-xxN 
047-42-xxE and Thaj, 26-53-xxN 048-43-xxE). Veterinary and 
biomedical teams have collected samples from these areas, but the 
results currently are not available. The animal deaths in both 
areas increased suspicion that a biological incident may have 
occurred. No human illnesses or deaths were observed, and the 
local villagers paid little attention to the dead animals.

Comment:   Unexpected deaths or illness among domestic and wild 
animals potentially can serve as indicators of chemical or 
biological agent use or presence. However, not every discovery
of dead individual or groups of animals needs to be investigated. 
Apparently, dead or dying domesticated animals (particulurly sheep 
and goats) currently are taken to collection sites for disposal. A 
similar incident occurred in late August 1990; large numbers of 
deed sheep and goats were found in the vicinity of: Nu'ayriah 
(27-50-xxN 047-50-xxE). Approximately 20 to 30 sites with 40 to 50 
carcasses each (90 percent sheep and 10 percent goats) were 
discovered in remote regions. Apparently, the August 1990 episode 
was considered normal by the local villagers  and nomadic 
tribesmen live in close association with their flocks of animals; 
  CBW incidences producing domestic animal casualties also would 
be expected to produce human casualties. Based on the
information provided by the current report, AFMIC's assessment is 
that the recent animal deaths probably did not result from CBW 
agents.


Analyst:     [   (b)(6)   ]


 



 

 

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