Managing Animal Mortalities

Regulatory authority for the management of animal mortality, both on a daily basis and in disasters, falls under the State Veterinarian’s office, which is located within the NC Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Solid Waste Section staff works and trains throughout the year with NCDA&CS staff in managing mortality and other solid wastes.  Especially during disaster events such as fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as animal disease outbreaks like avian influenza, this cooperative effort ensures proper protection of human health and the environment resulting from waste related activities at agricultural facilities.

Guidance Documents and Links for Managing Animal Mortality 

• Management Plan: Mass Animal Mortality Management Plan for Catastrophic Natural Disasters  (2016)
• Guidance Document: Composting Flood-Related Animal Mortalities  (2016)
• Memorandum: Animal Burial Guidelines During a Declared Emergency  (2003)
• For the most recent updates on mortality management and other agriculture disaster related items, see the NCDA&CS disaster planning and response website.
• For more information on specific protocol in planning for Avian Influenza, DEQ guidance and other information can be found here.