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Today in History: U.S. Army's nerve agent kills 6,000 Utah sheep

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 17, 1968, an accidental release of the nerve agent VX by the U.S. Army at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah resulted in the deaths of 6,000 sheep. The incident, known as the Dugway sheep kill, sparked public outrage and led to significant policy discussions regarding chemical and biological warfare under the Nixon Administration.

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Story summary

On March 17, 1968, an accidental release of the nerve agent VX by the U.S. Army at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah resulted in the deaths of 6,000 sheep. The incident, known as the Dugway sheep kill, sparked public outrage and led to significant policy discussions regarding chemical and biological warfare under the Nixon Administration.