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Livestock carcass disposalBy Arden
Wohlers DVM The past few years we have become increasingly concerned of a catastrophic event to our livestock industry caused by foreign animal diseases that may enter our herd and cause huge death losses. Identifying and treating these diseases is a huge problem. It appears more threatening when we consider both natural spread of the disease and the possibility of a disease introduced by an act of terrorism. The subsequent issue that must be faced is how to dispose of animal carcasses if the numbers dying from disease or are euthanized add up into the thousands. Traditionally a routine number of dead animals have been picked up by renderers and the tissues broke down into useful products. If huge numbers are encountered, the renderering industry may be overwhelmed. Small numbers of animal carcasses may be absorbed by local landfills if they are allowed to be transported. Local landfills may have procedures in place to accept a limited number of animals, but they could quickly become overwhelmed. For certain contagious diseases, animals may not be allowed off of the premises. Incineration is a sight we became familiar with during Foot and Mouth Disease eradication efforts in other countries. This has drawbacks in being unsightly and creating air pollution problems. Composting of large animals has the advantage of being a natural way of returning a nutrient rich material to crop producing areas, but requires expertise and a huge investment in equipment. The preferred method for disposing of large numbers of animals, especially if there is potential of a foreign animal disease, is to bury the carcasses on site. Burial results in less chance of disease spread, is usually more aesthetic and can be done at each location with local equipment. The larger feeding operations with thousands of animals have studied the various methods for disposal that would best fit their unique situation. A concern for the small livestock operation or the hobbyist with a few head of livestock or pleasure horses is dealing with the occasional death of an animal. There are often emotional ties that make rendering unacceptable. Incineration may be difficult as well as creating smoke and odors that would be a nuisance to neighbors. Composting of large animals on a small scale is not economically practical because of the equipment and space required. Burial is the best method
of disposal for the occasional loss of an animal in many situations. However
there are state regulations regarding burial methods governed by the Nebraska
Department of Environmental Quality. An off farm burial site may need
to be located. The burial site should be on relatively flat land out of
public view 1000 feet from major highways and 300 feet from secondary
roads. The site cannot be located in flood plains or wetlands keeping
the bottom of the trench depth 5 feet above the seasonal high water table
and still being able to cover the carcass with at least 4 feet of compacted
soil. The site must be 1,000 feet from public wells, 500 feet from private
wells and 300 feet from streams, creeks and ponds. Regardless of the disposal
method used the situation must be handled within 36 hours of the death
of an animal. If you have questions relating to animal disposal, contact
the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality at (402) 471-4210, or
the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at (402) 471-2351. Back to Dr. Wohlers' page |