The US agricultural sector represents one of the world’s most bountiful, healthy, and economically valuable food systems. The US agricultural sector accounts for about 13% of the US gross domestic product and nearly 17% of US jobs. Animal agriculture comprises a substantial portion of the overall agricultural sector. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the value of US livestock commodities amounted to $105 billion during 2003. Each year, US animal agriculture contributes approximately 26 billion pounds of beef, 19 billion pounds of pork, and 35 billion pounds of poultry to the food supply.
The enormity of US animal agriculture magnifies a number of agricultural security problems, one of which is carcass disposal. Typically, animal production mortalities and natural disasters in the US create an annual disposal requirement of about three billion pounds of carcasses. This number, while already considerable, could easily escalate in the event of an intentional or accidental introduction of foreign animal disease(s). 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. This report was commissioned to provide a comprehensive summary of the scientific, technical, and social aspects of various carcass disposal technologies. This report is therefore intended to serve as an evidence-based resource for officials tasked with planning for the safe and timely disposal of animal carcasses.
http://fss.k-state.edu/FeaturedContent/CarcassDisposal/CarcassDisposal.htm Report Broken Link
Posted by: Adassa Roe
Posted Date: May 26 2006