Traditional Methods of Carcass Disposal: A Review

Mortality is an inevitable consequence of livestock and poultry farming. With a large livestock and poultry population of 513 and 729 million [1] respectively in India, animals die due to different diseases, accidents and disasters. Mortalities are usually thrown out on the roads, farm lands and rivers [2], thus creating different types of menace and environmental hazards. Strategies for carcass disposal especially on larger scale require preparation well in advance of an emergency in order to maximize the efficiency of response. The most effective disposal strategies will be those that exploit every available and suitable disposal option to the fullest extent possible, regardless of what those options might be. Disposal method should be safe, practical, and economical and should utilize the mortalities which is essential for biosecurity [3]. Decision-makers should come to understand each disposal technology available to them, thereby equipping themselves with a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge. Such awareness implies an understanding of an array of factors for each technology, including the principles of operation, logistical details, personnel requirements, likely costs, environmental considerations, disease agent considerations, advantages and disadvantages, and lessons learned for each technology.