VPE 511: Environment and Environmental Hygiene (2+1)

Disposal of carcasses

EXERCISE-13: DISPOSAL OF CARCASSES

• Proper disposal of carcasses is important both to prevent livestock disease transmission, and to protect air and water quality.

Methods of Disposal

Species	Bury	Incinerate	Render	Compost	Pet Food
Poultry	√	√	√	√	√
Swine	√	√	√	√	√
Cattle	√	√	√	x	√
Horses	√	√	√	x	√
Sheep/goats	√	√	√	√	√

• Definition of Carcass: The body or part of a domestic animal or fowl that has died or has been killed otherwise than by being slaughtered for human or animal consumption.
• Definition of Discarded Animal Parts: All or a part of animals, fish, or poultry that have been killed for human or animal consumption and not used for that purpose.

General Rule

• Carcass must be disposed of as soon as reasonably possible, ie; within 48-72 hours.
• Burying a carcass require that the carcass be 5 feet above the high water level and covered with 3 feet of dirt. Sandy or gravelly areas or areas within 10 feet of bedrock should be avoided.
• Incineration must be in an incinerator that is approved.
• Hauling over the road. Carcasses or discarded animal parts must be in vehicles or containers that are leak proof and covered. The vehicles also need to be inspected and have a permit, unless the vehicle belongs to the owner of the animal before it died.
• Each carcass used as pet food must pass an inspection by a veterinarian and must be processed under clean and sanitary conditions.
• Carcasses left at an off-site pickup point must be in an animal-proof enclosed area that is at least 200 yards from a neighbor’s buildings.
• Carcasses must be picked up within 72 hours, except if the enclosed area is refrigerated to less than 45 F, the carcasses must be picked up within 7 days.