Publication Summary

These guidelines have been developed to provide Washington bovine and equine producers, and those that provide technical assistance to the producers, with an understanding of how to comply with regulatory and the recently revised statutory requirements. It also provides the basics of composting large livestock as one possible animal mortality management tool. Proper composting of other types of livestock is allowed in Washington but is not covered in this guidance document. The focus is on managing what is considered routine, day-to-day livestock mortalities, and is not suitable for managing mortality due to reportable diseases as listed in WAC 16-70-010 (See Appendix B). Operators who suspect the presence of any of the listed diseases should contact the State Veterinarians office and their local Health Department.

This publication will also be of specific interest to bovine and equine producers seeking alternative disposal options to burial, incineration and rendering as part of development of mortality management plans required in 40 CFR Part 122 for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). A companion guidance document is being developed by Agriculture that provides general information on a variety of disposal options for all types of livestock, including composting. Numerous published reports and methods for large and small scale composting techniques for a variety of other livestock are available on-line. It should be understood that animal composting may require some trial and error to achieve acceptable results. You are encouraged to work with your conservation district staff or other professionals to identify the best approach to mortality management at your facility. In the event of an animal emergency, as declared by the Director of the Department of Agriculture, the State Veterinarian′s office and the local health department will determine appropriate disposal options.