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.
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.
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.
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--