Food Inspection Issues
Even more important is the establishment and management of an effective
food inspection program. There must be sufficient numbers of food inspectors
at ration storage and breakdown points. The JTF Surgeon must not assume
that only U.S. or NATO rations will be consumed. Despite medical recommendations
to the contrary, the logistics staff officers (J4s, G4s, S4s, N4s, and
C4s) at all levels have been known to order supplemental rations from regional
vendors with disastrous results. Be prepared to hunt down, inspect, approve,
and monitor the local sources if this occurs. Military veterinarians and
veterinary technicians are trained to do this. |
Veterinary Considerations During NEOs
Veterinary assistance is especially valuable when planning or conducting
NEOs. Although the State Department generally prohibits NEO evacuees from
taking their pets, this is not always the case. In 1991, during the evacuation
of the Philippines, 10-20% of all evacuees were accompanied by their household
pets, and approximately 2,400 animals were evacuated from the islands.
Regardless of State Department guidance, the following are important considerations.
The CJTF determines whether pets remain with or are separated from
their owners while evacuees await transportation. Both options have advantages
and disadvantages.
When pets remain with their owners, pet and owner anxiety is reduced,
less military manpower is expended on pet care, and the spread of disease
can be minimized if pets are kept in carriers. On the other hand, this
option requires increased sanitation inspections by preventive medicine
teams and, if pets are not kept in carriers, can result in bites and scratches
to evacuees. When pets are separated from their owners, the animals are
more easily controlled, and there is less chance of evacuees being bitten
or scratched. However, additional manpower is required for pet care (estimated
at one person for each 50 pets). In addition, anxiety among pets and owners
increases, animals can become extremely noisy, and epidemics of diseases
like kennel cough and canine distemper may occur in kennels. If animals
are separated from their owners, they should be further separated (by 20
to 30 feet) by species and size. Additionally, animals must be given daily
exercise and prescribed by the Animal Welfare Act.
Regardless of which option is chosen, each animal must be identified
by its name and its owner’s name. A patient bracelet can be fastened around
the animal’s neck; a large animal may require joining two bracelets. Additionally,
all dogs should be collared, leashed, and muzzled. Short-nosed dogs and
other animals should be confined to pet carriers. An animal defecation
and urination area should be established downwind, downslope, and out of
sight of evacuee waiting areas. A quarantine area should be established
for animals showing signs of contagious or dangerous diseases. Animals
that show signs of rabies should be euthanized regardless of owner consent.
Owner consent should be obtained before euthanizing animals with other
terminal diseases.
The CJTF also determines whether pets will be allowed to accompany evacuees
out of the country. If pets will not be allowed to depart, consider asking
owners if they would like their pets euthanized. If owners agree, or if
they request their pets be euthanized, get their consent in writing. If
pets that are abandoned or prohibited from evacuation pose a medical threat
to the command, advise the CJTF. The JTF Surgeon should recommend that
these animals be euthanized. |
Veterinary Supply Planning Factors
Unique veterinary supplies and equipment must be brought into theater to
support a NEO. The JTF Surgeon should consult a military veterinarian for
detailed information, but until this happens consider the following information.
-
For every 1,000 evacuees, 120 pets will be brought to the evacuation assembly
area.
-
120 pets will consume approximately 70 pounds (9 cubic feet) of food daily.
If commercial food is not available, military stress diet (MSD) food for
military working dogs is available within the supply system and comes packaged
for field use. However, MSD contains a heartworm prevention additive and
may cause untoward effects in heartworm positive animals. There is no standard
issue cat food. If commercial and supply system pet food is not available,
tray rations may be substituted on a short-term basis.
-
One cardboard pet carrier will be required per cat. 5% of those carriers
will be destroyed each day, and all carriers will need to be replaced every
four days.
-
One collar and one leash will be needed for each dog. 3% of these collars
and leashes will be destroyed daily. Muzzles will be required for 85% of
the dogs; 15% of the dogs will not be able to be muzzled and will require
pet carriers.
-
Each pet will require a bowl to be used for both food and water.
Assume the non-food supplies for 120 pets will weigh approximately
20 pounds and take up 9 cubic feet of space.
|