What are the environmental considerations of various carcass disposal options?

Answer:

Information regarding environmental considerations of different disposal actions can be found in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently released guide on the “Disposal of Domestic Birds Infected by Avian Influenza—An Overview of Considerations and Options.” (PDF - 30 pp., 460 KB)

It is important to note that disposal is a site-specific decision and that all disposal options should remain open for consideration, although they should be planned well in advance of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. The differences in site specific conditions across the country influence the local choice of disposal options. Local decision-making must consider the ability of the avian influenza virus to survive under the conditions at that location, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) goals to minimize carcass transport and to ensure expeditious disposal (within 24 hours), while ensuring that potentially contaminated carcasses are properly handled. These factors must be balanced with considerations of environmental impact, cost, disposal option capacity and availability, resource availability, time required for disposal, and any related transportation issue. Further information regarding environmental considerations of different disposal actions can be found in EPA’s disposal guide referenced above, as well as disposal guidance issued by USDA.

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Last Updated: 05/22/2007