209.01.21 Ark. Code R. 004

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 209.01.21-004 - Disposal of Large Animal and Poultry Carcasses

I.Definitions. As used in this rule:

"State Animal Health Official" means the State Veterinarian or designee.

"Incineration" means the destruction of animal carcass soft tissue and most of the hard tissue by means of controlled combustion.

"Composting" means the natural biological degradation of plant and animal matter in a controlled, well aerated system. Composting for disposal should contain carcasses, a carbon source and moister in order to reach temperatures that will destroy pathogenic organisms.

"Rendering" means to process mortality by machinery, device or system designed and operated for the purpose of making an animal feed or feed supplement from animal carcasses or parts.

"Burial" means to dispose of mortality by covering carcasses with soil; either by placing carcasses in an excavated area or on the soil surface.

"On Farm freezing" means to dispose of poultry mortality by placing carcasses in a leak proof freezer unit capable of maintaining a subfreezing temperature for the duration of the flock or when the unit is full.

"Carbon Source" means a biodegradable material used to aid in the decomposition process of mortality which includes but not limited to wood shavings, sawdust, hay and rice hulls.

"Catastrophic mortality" means an event where a large number of animals die, other than from a reportable disease, and the normal method of disposal is inadequate.

"Large animal" means cattle, horses, domesticated swine, sheep, goats, cervidae, bison, llamas, alpacas, ostriches, emus, rheas, and other native or nonnative animals, excluding dogs, cats, and feral hogs.

"Poultry" means a class of domesticated fowl (birds) farmed for their meat or eggs which include but not limited chickens, turkeys and ducks.

IIDISPOSAL OF LARGE ANIMAL CARCASSES

A. Large animal carcasses must be disposed of in the following manner unless specified directly by the State Animal Health Official.

1. Rendering.

Large animal carcasses may be submitted to a rendering facility in a sealed vehicle that does not allow drainage while being moved.

2. Burial

Carcasses may be buried at a site at least 100 yards away from a well and in a place where a stream cannot be contaminated. Carcasses may be covered with lime, particularly when needed to control odors. All carcasses are to be covered with at least 2 feet of soil. Carcasses are not to be buried in a landfill, without prior approval of the State Animal Health Official or Director of the Livestock and Poultry Commission.

Anthrax carcasses should be sited as far as possible (at least 100 yards) from a well or water source and disposed of by incineration. The burn site should be acidified and then buried under 2 feet of soil.

3. Composting

Carcasses or portions of carcasses may be composted in compliance with the following guidelines.

a. General Requirements

(1) The composting process must be managed at all times to be practically odorless, prevent fly larvae development, prevent animal depredation and stop leaching of waste material thereby becoming a source of water/soil contamination.

(2) The carcass(es) must be reduced to brittle/easily broken bone.

(3) A minimal temperature of 130 F and a minimal 110 F maintenance temperature must be achieved during the composting process to where the finished product is pathogen free.

b. Composting - Exposed to Weather

(1) Compost material (carbon source such as sawdust, hay, etc.) may not contain manure if exposed to rain or water.

(2) The carcass(es) must be placed on at least a 24-inch-thick pad of compost material that is large enough so that when the carcass(es) is placed there it will be at least 24 inches from the carcass(es) to the edge of the pad.

(3) A layer of compost material that completely covers the carcass(es) and is at least 24 inches thick must be maintained throughout the composting process.

c. Composting - Protected from Weather

Compost material (carbon source such as saw dust, hay etc.) may contain manure.

d. Composting must be done in a bin(s) that has a concrete floor to provide an all-weather base, roof to exclude excess moisture and rot resistant bin construction to support the compost material and withstand stresses applied by tractor loader.

e. Carcass(es) must be placed in the compost bin on at least a 12 inch thick base pad of compost material and carcass(es) cannot be placed within 8 inches of the sides, front or rear of the compost bin.

f. A layer of compost material that completely covers the carcass(es) must be maintained throughout the composting process.

4. Incineration (burning)

Incineration or open burning may be used as long as carcass is reduced to ash.

B. Other disposal issues

1. This rule does not apply to any animal products meant for human consumption.

2. If carcasses or parts are handled or transported off-site the carcass or product must be in a sealed vehicle or leak-proof containers. Carcasses must be covered by a tarp or other materials when transported.

3. Large animal carcasses found on Public roadways where proof of ownership is unknown, shall be disposed of in the most practical manner to prevent a public health problem.

III.DISPOSAL OF POULTRY CARCASSES

A. Acceptable Methods

1. Incineration

When used for the purpose of carcass disposal, the carcass must be reduced to ash.

2. Composting

a. The composting process must be managed at all times to be practically odorless, prevent fly larvae development, prevent animal depredation and stop leaching of waste material thereby becoming a source of water/soil contamination.

b. The carcass(es) must be reduced to brittle/easily broken bone and feathers.

c. A temperature must be achieved during the composting process to reduce pathogen load.

3. On-Farm Freezing

a. Carcasses will be frozen to a solid state before being removed from the farm.

b. Frozen carcasses will be placed in a container that will not leak when thawing begins.

c. Frozen carcasses will be transported from the farm in a sealed, leak-proof vehicle.

4. Rendering

a. Carcasses may be submitted to a rendering facility in a sealed vehicle that does not allow drainage while being moved.

b. All requirements of Section III. B. 2 must be followed.

B. Other Poultry Carcass Disposal Issues

1. Catastrophic Event (not including when mortality is caused by a reportable disease.)

a. On-site burial may be used. The trench must be 2 to 4 feet deep and the carcasses covered by at least 2 feet of soil. Lime may be used to control odor if needed.

b. Permit required from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division.

2. Transport of Carcasses from Farm

a. If carcasses or parts are handled or transported off-site, they must be in a sealed vehicle or leak-proof containers. Carcasses must be covered by a tarp or other materials when transported.

b. May be cancelled in cases of reportable disease incidents, or when the State Animal Health Official deems necessary to stop disease spread.

c. Permit required from Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division.

IV. Any further exemptions from this rule must be approved in writing by the State Animal Health Official.

V.AUTHORITY

A.C.A. § 2-33-107(c); A.C.A. § 2-40-403, 404; A.C.A. § 2-40-1302(a)(1)

209.01.21 Ark. Code R. 004

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume MMXXI Number 10, Effective 10/2/2021