Stock deaths occur periodically, and farm managers are responsible for carcass disposal.
Methods of disposal include knackery, rendering services or suitably licensed landfills.
If these are not available, alternate biosecure options for use on-farm may include composting or burial.
If on-farm disposal is to be used, then forward planning with appropriate siting, infrastructure and management is critical to minimise any
biosecurity, environmental or other risks.
Burying carcasses on the farm may be the most
appropriate option depending on the circumstances.
Stringent guidelines apply to appropriate burial sites, so they don’t adversely affect the
land, surface/ground waters or the air.
Detailed information on setback distances and other requirements can be found in the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) document Farm waste management.
The other on-farm option is composting of carcasses.
In line with EPA guidance, when the average number of
mortalities doesn’t exceed one tonne per month, then a composting pile is appropriate.
When mortalities exceed this threshold, bin composting should be considered.
Bin composting requires more dedicated infrastructure.
Detailed information on pile and bin composting can be found in the EPA’s Composting mortalities on farm guidance.
It’s important to realise composting is an active process, not a set and forget method. Failing to monitor and follow established composting techniques will result in an increased risk of harm to the land or the
environment and a sub-standard final product.
Agriculture Victoria can provide guidance to farmers about on-farm disposal options in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority.
In the event of unusual signs or suspected cases of emergency animal disease, please
report them immediately to the Emergency Animal
Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Early reporting increases the chance of effective control and eradication.
If an emergency animal
disease outbreak is declared, Agriculture Victoria is responsible for the destruction and disposal of animal carcasses, including those that can be buried on-farm.
Further information on farm biosecurity and animal disease is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Rachael Campbell, Dairy Industry Development Officer
