Efficacy of ex vivo decontamination methods for chemical warfare agents on military working dog (Canis familiaris) cadaver skin tissue

OBJECTIVE: Evidence-based evaluation of working dog decontamination is needed following several contemporary events involving threats for contamination with hazardous materials. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior of ex vivo neat chemical warfare agent exposure on military working dog breed-specific canine cadaver tissue and measure the potential effectiveness of standard and potential alternative decontamination methods. METHODS: Previously frozen German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retriever full-thickness skin tissue with attached hair coat was used to test the efficacy of decontamination procedures in the removal of sulfur mustard blister agent (HD) and organophosphate nerve agent (VX) chemical warfare contaminants. Four different decontamination treatments were evaluated: none, microfiber towel only (MFTO), low-water method (LWM), and high-water method (HWM). The lesser/nonhaired inner ear, paw pads, and underbelly were evaluated using a Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion treatment. RESULTS: The MFTO condition showed a significant removal amount of HD and VX agent from hair coats. An average of 83.1 percent HD and 80.9 percent VX reduction in the initially applied agent was observed with microfiber towel wipes in all tested breeds. As tested, the MFTO method resulted in less recovered agent than the 4 percent chlorhexidine scrub LWM. The HWM resulted in an average of 80.3 percent HD and 98.7 percent VX reduction in the initially applied agent. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the MFTO method alone may be an effective field expedient decontamination method for VX and HD in situations with limited water resources.