- WASHINGTON (AP) - For years,
U.S. Army scientists in Utah have been developing a powdered form of anthrax
for use in testing biological defense systems.
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- The Army said in a statement that small quantities of
anthrax have routinely been produced at Dugway Proving Ground, about 85
miles southwest of Salt Lake City, and then shipped to the Army's biodefense
center at Fort Detrick, Md.
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- The bacteria was then rendered harmless through radiation
before being returned to Dugway for experiments.
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- The Army statement did not specify which strain of anthrax
was produced there, but The Washington Post, citing government officials
and shipping records, reported that the finely ground weapons-grade anthrax
spores belong to the strain found in letters discovered in recent months.
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- The Ames strain is relatively common and is used in numerous
American labs, and there is no evidence Dugway material was used in the
attacks.
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- Anthrax can be produced in various forms, but the most
dangerous is a powder form that can float freely and be easily inhaled
into the lungs.
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- The Army statement said researchers there have worked
with anthrax since 1992, turning small amounts of wet anthrax into powder
to test ways to defend against biowarfare.
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- Until the latest anthrax threat, Dugway scientists sent
anthrax samples by FedEx to Fort Detrick in a wet paste form to minimize
the danger of a spill or accident, the Army statement said.
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- "Anthrax in paste form cannot be the source of contamination
for the anthrax letters mailed after Sept. 11, and Dugway has never shipped
any dry anthrax by commercial carrier," it said.
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- The Army added that all the anthrax its scientists have
developed has been accounted for and the researchers are cooperating with
the FBI in its investigation. It said all shipments were made in accordance
with federal law.
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- Though the United States has signed an international
treaty banning the use of biological weapons, small quantities may be tested
for research. Army scientists have previously acknowledged making wet anthrax.
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- Five fatal inhalation anthrax cases have been reported
since tainted letters first appeared earlier this fall. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 18 cases of exposure, 11 inhalation
and 7 through the skin.
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- http://news.excite.com/news/ap/011213/10/anthrax-army
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