Iraqi Biological Warfare (BW) Capabilities
Filename:503br.90
[ (b)(2) ] 2350 PASS TO THE ITF OPS OFFICER 21 NOV 0035 [
[ (b)(6) ]
From: VP Task Force
To: ITF
Subj: Iraqi Biological Warfare (BW) Capabilities
[ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ]
1. PURPOSE: To provide Admiral McConnell with DIA's
assessment of the information contained in reference (a).
2. (U) MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST:
a. [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ]
b. Iraq does possess the BW agent anthrax but there is
no evidence that they have developed or weaponized pneumonic
plague. The Iraqis do have the technical capability to produce
and weaponize the bacterium (Yersinia pestis) which causes
plague. They also have the ability to produce antibiotic
resistant strains of the organism. The plague bacillus is easy
to grow but difficult to maintain. It is particularly
sensitive to drying and, therefore, most likely would have to
be prepared in liquid suspension and then kept frozen in bulk
containers for filling into munitions immediately prior to
use. This is possible but cumbersome. It is unlikely that
filled aerial bombs would be stored with frozen agent. Bulk
stored bacterial suspensions would more suitably be
disseminated by spray devices or aerosol generators.
c. We have no evidence to suggest that Iraq has
developed a BW detection device which monitors protein levels
or any other bacterial component or product. The Iraqis have
the technical capability to detect protein, such as botulinum
toxin, or protein components of microbial cells, such as
bacteria and viruses by methods commonly used throughout the
world in research and clinical laboratories. Detection of
protein would not likely be possible in real time and on a
continual basis by a field detection device connected to an
alarm system. Air samples would probably be collected by
sampling devices at various sites and transported to a field
laboratory for analysis. Under the best of conditions, this
process would require several hours. It should be noted that
no country in the world has field equipment for detecting BW
agents.
d. The pneumonic form of the plague is indeed the
"aerosolized" form of the organism, is highly infectious, and
could cause large numbers of casualties.
e. Antibiotics are the only treatment for plague as
well as anthrax, however they must be administered early after
exposure to be effective. Inoculation is also possible for
anthrax, plague, and botulinum toxin - another BW agent we
assess Iraq to have. However, any inoculation for a given
disease can be overcome by exposure to very large quantities
of infecting agent. It is undetermined how much agent would be
required to overcome an inoculated person.
f. In general, BW agents require special storage and
handling procedures, but each agent has its own unique
requirements such as those discussed in paragraph 2b.
Normally, refrigeration is required for all BW agents.
3. [ (b)(6) ]
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
