MA-39 “Cerberus” Project

The MA-39 “Cerberus” was an experimental biological weapon produced by Umbrella. The goal of this project was to amplify the endurance and ferocity of the base species while retaining its ability to follow direct commands. Disrupted by the viral outbreak at the Arklay Research Facility, work was suddenly halted before any major gains could be made.

The Cerberus that escaped from the Arklay Research Facility during the subsequent security breakdown greatly accelerated the spreading of the T-virus throughout Raccoon City. Further encounters with infected canines in Raccoon City and other locations such as Rockfort Island are often mistaken as Cerberus when in fact they are secondary infections colloquially called "zombie dogs."

History
Despite its isolated location deep within the Arklay Mountains, there had always been a danger that Umbrella’s hidden research facilities might be inadvertently discovered. The land surrounding the site had always been a popular destination for local tourists, including hikers, campers, horseback riders, and other various nature enthusiasts. In order to keep out prying eyes, Umbrella employed the use of several highly trained Doberman Pinscher sentry dogs. They were to provide the first line of defense, and were tasked with guarding the facilities against unwanted or unexpected guests.

The Pinscher is a sleek, agile, and powerful dog which can grow to a height of approximately 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) and weigh between 60 and 90 pounds (27 to 40 kg). It has a short, smooth coat which lies very close to the body, and ranges in color from black, blue, fawn, tan, or red, with rust markings possible on the head, chest, legs, muzzle, paws, and throat. It has a natural lifespan of between 8 and 12 years.

As biological weapons testing progressed within the underground laboratories of the Arklay Research Facility, Umbrella’s researchers attempted to market dogs as bioweapons by administering the T-virus to several of the Pinschers with mixed results. Soon after the virus had been administered, the researchers began noticing a significant decrease in the amount of brainwave activity generated by the infected dogs. Within a few short days, the Pinschers began exhibiting signs of uncontrollable hunger, and were prone to fits of unprovoked aggression. Their physical condition deteriorated rapidly, and the outer layers of the epidermis began to decompose and slough-off. Flaps of tattered skin and wet fur hung from raw muscular tissue and exposed bone. Nearly all of the subjects developed severe ocular degeneration, and in many cases, were rendered virtually blind as the eyeballs literally began to putrefy. Their keen sense of smell and acute hearing remained unchanged and the B.O.W.’s speed, agility, and overall endurance were heightened considerably. It retained the inherent pack mentality of its species, and proved to be quite adept at hunting down single targets using group tactics; however, their minds had diminished so that they were no longer responsive to commands. A partial success but still useless unless the Cerberus could be sufficiently controlled, the MA-39 project shifted focus onto its second objective.

On Monday, May 11th, 1998, the T-virus was released throughout the entire Arklay facility, and all remaining sentry dogs were subsequently exposed. Research was indefinitely postponed while the outbreak was contained, but the quarantine failed leaving the M-39 project unfinished. On May 14th, several of the dogs managed to break free of their confines. 1 Quickly forming into packs, they soon began scouring the heavily wooded countryside in search of prey. The consequent maulings would become among the first indirect reports on the Arklay outbreak. Due to unknown reasons the project was never resumed.

Secondary Canine Infection
Many of the infected dogs detailed during the Raccoon City incident were not of Umbrella's making, the majority were simple house pets that felt the full effects of the T-virus, as well as guard dogs. Zombie Dogs exhibit the same attack patterns and strategy to their B.O.W. counterparts, just highlighting how ineffective the Cerberus programmecame to be for Umbrella.

Etymology
Designated as B.O.W. Type MA-39 by the Umbrella hierarchy, it was dubbed the “Cerberus” by research personnel. According to Greek mythology, Cerberus (or Kerberos) was a monstrous three-headed hound which resided on the far side of the river Acheron and was employed by Hades, the god of the underworld, to guard the entrance to the portal of death. This “demon of the pit” allowed the restless spirits of the dead to enter, but never leave. “Omnes relinquite spes, o vos intrantes.” (“Abandon all hope ye who enter here.”) He also prevented any living creature from passing uninvited into the gloomy abode of the dead. Cerberus was the offspring of Echidna, the “Mother of All Monsters,” and Typhon, the youngest and most powerful of the immortal storm-giants. He had a two-headed brother named Orthus, and among his siblings were the Chimera, the Hydra, the Nemean Lion, and the Sphinx.