Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
the amount of botulinum toxin produced up to this time. In addition,
UNSCOM acquired evidence that anthrax spores were produced at Al
Manal.
Aflatoxin Production
According to Iraq, aflatoxin production began at Al Salman in January
1989 and at Al Fudhaliyah (Al Safa'ah) in January 1990, and continued
until July 1990, during which time about 400 liters of aflatoxin were pro-
duced. The Al Hakam report for 1990 says that 2,200 liters were made but
does not specify the location. UNMOVIC has been unable to confirm
these locations and quantities but accepts that aflatoxin was produced at
both locations, with more being produced at Al Fudhaliyah.
Other Agents
Work on previously selected agents continued, although UNMOVIC is
uncertain of the precise nature, timing, and scope. Iraq has declared that
from 1988 to August 1990 studies on botulinum toxin, anthrax, gas gan-
grene, and aflatoxin continued. This work included investigation of the
best growth conditions, effects on animals, and other studies, such as the
determination of the optimum storage parameters.
Work on new agents also began during this period. Work on the BW
agent ricin (extracted from castor oil beans) was probably commenced in
the latter half of 1988. Studies included production and identification of
the toxin protein and toxicity effects, including inhalation studies. Iraq
has also declared that in the first half of 1990, research was conducted on
Clostridium botulinum spores (as opposed to the toxin) as a potential infec-
tious agent; UNMOVIC cannot confirm this statement.
A decision to study viruses as potential BW agents was probably made
in May 1990 or earlier. In any event, in July 1990 a virologist was re-
cruited to begin work on viral BW agents. Iraq has stated that the labora-
tories at Al Hakam were considered unsuitable for viral research and that
actual BW work on viruses did not commence until December 1990.
In March 1990 a genetic engineering unit was established at Al Hakam.
A senior Iraqi official said that one aim of the unit was to produce antibi-
otic-resistant anthrax. Another genetic engineering unit, apparently con-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search