This report is available in the K-State Research Exchange (K-REx) database.

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Whether at the hand of accidental disease entry, the weather, or an act of bioterrorism, widespread livestock deaths pose daunting carcass-disposal challenges that, if not met quickly and effectively, can spiral into major food security problems and result in devastating economic losses. The ever-increasing concentration of modern animal production operations, combined with the tremendous mobility of food-animal populations, accentuates the country's vulnerability to high death losses due to disease outbreaks.

A rapid and effective disease eradication response is vital to minimizing livestock losses, economic impacts, and public health hazards. Speed is of the essence; and rapid slaughter and disposal of livestock are integral parts of effective disease eradication efforts. However, realization of a rapid response requires emergency management plans that are based on a thorough understanding of disposal alternatives appropriate in various circumstances.

USDA-AHPIS commissioned the KSU National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) to address critical agricultural security needs, including aspects of the disposal of potentially contaminated animal carcasses. To address this topic, a consortium of collaborators was assembled to form the Carcass Disposal Working Group (CDWG). This body included experts from a variety of institutions, including KSU's National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, Texas A&M University's Institute for Countermeasures Against Agricultural Bioterrorism, Purdue University's School of Agriculture and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories' International Environmental Analysis Unit.

Carcass Disposal: A Comprehensive Review provides a comprehensive summary of the scientific, technical, and social aspects of various carcass disposal technologies, and serves as an indispensable resource for officials tasked with planning for the safe and timely disposal of animal carcasses.