scope:

a. This publication-

(1) Classified and describes potential BW agents.

(2) Provides procedures for collecting, handling and labeling, shipping, and identifying potential BW agents.

(3) Describes procedures for medical diagnosing, treating, and management of BW casualties.

(4) Describes medical management and treatment in BW operations.

b. The material in this publication is applicable to both the conventional battlefield and the integrated environment of the battlefield. (For the purpose of this publication, the "integrated environment" is intended to mean warfare and/or contingency operations where nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons/agents are being employed or have a high probability of being employed in addition to conventional weapons.)

Purpose. This publication serves as a guide and a reference for trained members of the Armed Forces Medical Services and other medically qualified personnel on the recognition and treatment of biological warfare (BW) agent casualties. Information contained in this publication may also be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with naturally acquired diseases or illnesses due to pathogens with BW potential.