USAF Bases in SEA
(Southeast Asia)

Military Dog History

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Handlers & Dogs of SEA

1. The Dogs and Handlers Lost: Vietnam To Sandbox list all USAF, USN, USA, USMC & Handlers from our allies killed in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Sandbox. I added other services because all dog handlers share a common bond. Note: Working on this list
2. The Handlers & Dogs of SEA Worksheet list all known dogs assigned to Vietnam & Thailand Air Force/Navy bases and some Army dogs used in Vietnam and Thailand. The list also specifies the dogs that were returned in 1975-76 to the DOD Dog Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. Over 1,600 + dogs are listed by name, brand number, and bases assigned. I am adding Army sentry dog handlers and dogs to my spreadsheet as time permits..
3. Both lists are in PDF format. Download time will be effected by your internet speed.

Deadly Disease for Military Working Dogs in SEA (South East-Asia)

The United States employed large numbers of military working dogs as sentries, scouts, trackers, and mine detectors in Vietnam. In mid-1968 an epizootic occurred which threatened the working dog program and led to 250 canine deaths. Military veterinarians launched an extensive effort to control this disease and to determine its cause. This study, using primary and secondary sources, describes the epizootic, the identification and control of the disease, and its implications for the future use of military working dogs. Canine ehrlichiosis, a highly fatal tickborne rickettsiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis, was identified as the cause of the epizootic. Clinical and experimental experience proved that canine ehrlichiosis can be successfully treated with tetracycline; this treatment and serologic testing to detect infected animals brought the epizootic under control, although ehrlichiosis still remains a problem among military working dogs. This study concluded that the future control of canine ehrlichiosis and related diseases requires: serologic screening of prospective and active duty military dogs, rigorous tick control, evaluation of the disease threat in areas where military dogs are employed, disease education of personnel who deal with military dogs, and additional veterinary research.