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61 Million Pounds Of Meat Inspected
By Atterbury Unit
(CAMP ATTERBURY, June 27One of the smallest and least known of Atterbury units has one of the largest and most
unusual jobs, The Veterinary Detachment of Camp Atterbury's U.S. Army Hospital, staffed by six enlisted men and two officers. is responsible for protecting, the health of over 15,000
men stationed here.
The unit is responsible for inspection of meat, dairy products and other foods used for human consumption.
"Nothing enters the QM food storage plant until it is inspected," said Capt. George E. Ritter, CO of the Detachment.
The unit inspected over ten million pounds of meat in 1951 and this year is expected to surpass that figure, declared Ritter.
Frequently the Detachment is called upon to perform emergency inspections of food that has become spoiled due to poor refrigeration after being received by a unit.
Although food inspection accounts for over 50 per cent of the section's job, the care of Atterbury's pet population falls into their hands as well.
The "Vets" registered over 200 patients during 1951 and administered nearly 100 inoculations against rabies.
Added to that figure are numerous surgical cases and out patient service for ailing dogs and cats.
Capt. Ritter pointed out that the Detachment is only required to control rabies. Other services are performed only when they don't interfere with the regular duties of the section.
"We do not have hospital facilities for animals nor do we have boarding services," he went on. "Pets can be brought in and will be examined but cannot be left in our care. Their convalescence care is the owners job."
All medical charges for services administered to pets of Atterbury personnel are made on the basis of drugs used.
"Our fees are only for the cost of drugs necessary and that is all owners must pay," Ritter continued.
The Detachment is available for emergency surgery but advance appointments are necessary, said Bitter.
Stray animals brought to the section are given to anyone interested in owning a dog or cat. If there are no calls the animals are destroyed.
Interested parties are encouraged to leave their name with the Detachment by calling 454 and they will be notified when a suitable pet has been picked up. |