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FD-302a (Rev. 10-6-95) 279A-WF-222936-302 Continuation of FD-302 of | | ,On 1 1/ 09 / 2001 , Page 2 pointed out that the origins of the Ames strain are unclear. Some sources believe it was first discovered in the bovine outbreak in the early 1980's. Others believe it first appeared in the 1950's. In addition, strains of anthrax may be virtually indistinguishable from one another. Two samples isolated in Texas and one in Haiti are identical to the Ames strain. The four strains are collectively known as the "Ames group." The sample from the letter to Sen. Daschle's office is "Ames-like", and could be from the Texas or Haiti strains.[__Jadded that strains are typically named after the location where they were first identified, such as Ames, or by the researcher who first isolated them, such as the Vollum or Stern strains. omnes IO explained that anthrax cells contain two extrachromosomal DNA rings, known as plasmids. Plasmids are necessary for the bacteria to be virulent. At USAMRIID, the bacteria are often manipulated to remove one or both plasmids, rendering them avirulent. No work is_done to make_anthrax more vi nt. To illustrate this believed that Americ ype Culture Collection had been a source of anthrax samples. did not believe the Ames strain was part of their inventory, but other strains from the Ames group may have been. USAMRIID has, over the years, collabo ed and exchanged samples with several institutions. Several] | contractors have been among them. Some of those contractors were] | However, samples are normally irradiated prior to transfer, rendering them harmless. Td did not know of any underground or Internet sources that provide reliable recipes for anthrax. stated that all access to secure areas of the building are electronic, except for a rear delivery door, which has a sign-in sheet. Access is controlled to various suites of labs,