Abstract

Abstract
Introduction:

Environmental impacts from carcass management are a significant concern globally. Despite a history of costly, ineffective and environmentally damaging carcass disposal efforts, large animal carcass disposal methods have advanced little in the last decade. An outbreak today will likely be managed with the same carcass disposal techniques used in previous decades and will likely result in the same economic, health and environmental impacts. This article overviews the results of one field test that was completed in Virginia (United States) using the aboveground burial (AGB) technique and the disposal of 111 FMD infected sheep in Tunisia using a similar methodology.

Materials and Methods:

Researchers in the United States conducted a field test to assess the environmental impact and effectiveness of AGB in decomposing livestock carcasses. The system design included a shallow trench excavated into native soil and a carbonaceous base placed on the bottom of the trenches followed by a single layer of animal carcasses. Excavated soils were subsequently placed on top of the animals and a vegetative layer was established. A similar methodology was used in Tunisia to manage sheep infected with Foot and Mouth Diseases, Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus and Blue Tongue Virus.

Results:

Results of the field test in the United States demonstrated significant carcass degradation during the 1-year period of the project and the migration of nutrients below the carcasses appears to be limited thereby minimizing the threat of groundwater contamination. The methodology proved practical for the disposal of infected sheep carcasses in Tunisia.

Conclusions:

Based on the analysis conducted to date, AGB appears to offer many benefits over traditional burial for catastrophic mortality management. Ongoing research will help identify limitations of the method and determine where its application during large disease outbreaks or natural disasters is appropriate.

Key words: Aboveground Burial, Mesophilic Static Pile Composting, Carcass Management, Foot and Mouth Disease, Foreign Animal Diseases