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Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity
SECTION 10
DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES
Note: - The guidance given in this section is based on the current legislative position. It is expected that legislation will be introduced later in the first half of 2003 which will prohibit burial or burning on farm in most places. If possible, the fully revised PEPFAA Code will incorporate these changes. |
The disposal of animal carcasses on farm can present significant dangers. Apart from risking prosecution for causing water pollution, there is a serious risk of spreading disease to stock on that holding or on neighbouring farms as well as a public health risk.
Deaths of cattle
At present, there are certain specific rules relating to cattle deaths. These are as follows:-
ALL sudden unexplained cattle deaths must be reported immediately to the local veterinary inspector or local Animal Health Office. The carcasses will be routinely tested for anthrax.
Where deaths are explainable,
ALL fallen cattle and animals slaughtered
on-farm for welfare reasons over 24 months old should be reported to AHF Ltd (Tel: 0800 525890) who will arrange to collect the carcasses and arrange for testing for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
Explainable deaths of cattle 24 months old or under are not currently subject to special rules, and may be dealt with as described below.
All other deaths
Currently a number of options exist for disposal of carcasses of animals that die on the farm. The Animal By-Products Order 1999 stipulates that disposal should be by either rendering or incineration. It is also permissible to consign carcasses to the local knackery or zoo for disposal purposes. Only in exceptional circumstances should burial or burning on-farm be considered. Where the options are not available then carcasses should be disposed of on-farm in accordance with the following guidance.
DOs Report all sudden deaths and seek veterinary advice. Comply with the Animal By-Products Order 1999 and attempt to use an incinerator or rendering plant before considering burial on farm. Bury animal carcasses with at least 1 metre of covering soil to prevent dogs, foxes or vermin getting access. Keep a Location Plan of all burials and a note of type of animal buried. Consult SEPA for confirmation that the proposed site is suitable for carcass burial.
| DON'Ts Leave carcasses unburied or open to dog or fox access for any length of time. Add lime to a lined disposal pit. Dump carcasses in remote areas.
Operate an animal carcass incinerator without prior consultation with SEPA. |
Choose sites where there is at least 1 metre of subsoil at the bottom of the burial pit. Make sure that incineration is carried out at the highest temperature possible. Make sure that burning of carcasses in the open is undertaken with care and by the approved method. Seek professional advice if in doubt. Advice on veterinary issues is available from your local Animal Health office. SEPA will provide advice on environmental pollution issues.
| Bury carcasses any closer than 250m from any drinking water supply; 50m from any watercourse or 10m from any field drain. Locate burial pits in areas prone to water logging or at risk of flooding or that are underlain by sandy or gravelly soil. Bury carcasses in polythene bags or other impervious material. Bury carcasses on archaeological sites or on sites designated for their nature conservation interest.
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