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Regulatory Update

By Dr. Kristi Henderson, Assistant Director, Scientific Activities

During the Fall 2009 AVMA Executive Board meeting in Schaumburg, the board considered and approved a new policy developed by the Committee on Environmental Issues (CEI) titled "Appropriate Animal Carcass Disposal." In formulating the policy, the CEI recognized that increasingly complex and problematic issues relating to the disposal of animal carcasses are in critical need for resolutions. There is a great necessity nationwide, as well as internationally, for practical, safe and environmentally responsible options for the disposal of animal carcasses.

The policy states:

The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality events. As such, the AVMA supports increased research and education towards the development of appropriate methods and guidelines for animal carcass disposal.

The call for such an overarching policy is illustrated by several issues including the need for appropriate disposal of large numbers of carcasses during a catastrophic disease outbreak such as avian influenza or foot and mouth disease; the disposal of carcasses resulting from natural disasters such as Hurricane Ike; the disposal of carcasses potentially infected with spongiform encephalopathies; the disposal of carcasses resulting from routine mortalities; and the disposal of carcasses having toxic substance or veterinary drug residues which may impact carrion scavengers and lead to environmental contamination.

In many cases, traditional carcass disposal techniques such as rendering, incineration, burial, and other techniques are no longer feasible, practical, or allowed. In addition, a myriad of regulations overseen by multiple authorities from local, state, and federal levels result in an inconsistency of carcass disposal options from state to state and even from town to town within a state.

Increased research and education toward the development of appropriate methods and guidelines for animal carcass disposal will ease difficulties faced by veterinarians, animal owners, universities, industry, and others when seeking to determine the appropriate disposal methods based upon the scenario before them at any given time. Research in and education on many areas of this issue are needed to facilitate science-based decisions and regulations to resolve this growing problem.

Do you have expertise to offer for AVMA consideration? Send your feedback to the Scientific Activities Division at ScientificIssues.

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