Carcass Management

A. The first step in carcass management is to assess the situation. Identify the types and quantities of animals involved, their average weight, and reason for their illness. You'll also need to consider the number and capacity of roll-off dumpsters available; distances to landfills, rendering, and incineration units; and the space available for compost or burial.

Use the Options, Time, and Cost Calculator by entering information in the blue boxes at the top of the tool. The calculator provides a comparison of onsite and offsite disposal options, including the time involved to dispose of carcasses and relative costs. It will help you make quick, informed decisions for planning.

B. Locating a specific premises can easily be done by clicking on the Routing Map. Rendering and incineration facilities, landfills, and State environmental offices will be shown in relation to the premises. Use the measuring tool (ruler icon in the upper right corner) to find the distance to a particular disposal facility. Click on the routing icon to obtain driving instructions for convenience and planning purposes.

A. The second step is to draft a Carcass Management Plan. Use the results from Step 1 and the checklists below. The calculator in step 1 will identify carcass management options. Then, the checklists ask questions to help you identify the resources you have for each option. Enter the resulting information in the Site-Specific Carcass Management Plan Template.

Note: Although the calculator includes an option for above-ground burial (referred to elsewhere as "shallow burial with carbon"), there is no additional checklist or planning information for this option; the technology supporting above-ground burials is not proven for all diseases and, if used, must have State approval. View this guidance document (736.36 KB) to learn more.

B. For those options that are feasible, decide how you will implement them. Use the planning guides below to estimate needed materials, supplies, and equipment. Enter this information in the Site-Specific Carcass Management Plan Template.

The third step is to coordinate with local and State environmental officials. Once you have completed steps 1 and 2 and have a draft plan, discuss the plan with your State agriculture and environmental officials and make any changes needed to gain their written approval. Use the link below to identify your State's department of agriculture.

The Site-Specific Carcass Management Plan Template includes blank approval signature lines at the end for use if desired.