Animals as sentinels for Presence of CBW Agents

File: 971030_ww10_91d_001.txt
Page: 001
Total Pages: 1
WW10.91

March 1991

Subject:  Animals as sentinels for Presence of CBW Agents 


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.  large numbers of dead sheep were noted in the area.  Additionally, individual and groups of dead goats and camels (many clustered around opened fed bags) had been identified during 16-21 February 1991 along main supply routes in surrounding regions (Qaryat al Ulya, 27-33-XXN 047-42-XXE and Thaj, 26-53-XXN 048-43-XXE).  Veterinary and biomendical 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 (particularly sheep and goats) frequently are taken to collection sites for disposal.  A similar incident occurred in late August 1990; large numbers of dead sheep and goats were found in the vicinityof an 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 also was considered nornal by the local villagers; the dead and dying animals had been placed in the disposal sites to separate them from live animals.    [b.2.]     Additionally, villagers and nomadic tribesmen live in close association with their flocks of animals; CBW incidences producing domestic animal casulaties 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.

[b.2.]