News Release 369

FLOOD CLEANUP TIP: ANIMAL CARCASS DISPOSAL

Volume 36-369	Contact: Renee Bungart
(For immediate release)	573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 20, 2008 – Unfortunately, recent flooding may have left behind animal carcasses. These carcasses should be properly disposed of to prevent the spread of disease.

Animal producers affected by the recent floods should begin by assessing the impact of the disaster on their animals and their property. View the site, take photographs and make a written self-estimate of damage. Note the number of animals originally on site, the approximate number and size of dead animals, uninjured animals and their needs, animals that remain unaccounted and the condition of confinement buildings and enclosures. This information will be helpful when talking to agencies and relief organizations, as well as creating cleanup plans.

Dead animals should be disposed of within 24 hours or as soon as it is safe to do so. Use the following methods, which are listed in order of most preferable:

Processing at a rendering plant;
On-site composting as recommended by University of Missouri Extension;
disposal in a sanitary landfill;
Incineration in a UM service-designed agricultural incinerator or a state-permitted commercial incinerator, or;
On-site burial following state law’s standard loading limitations. Call your local Missouri Department of Natural Resources regional office for information on loading limitations in your area.

Some of these options may not be realistic, so be conscientious but practical.

Missourians seeking resource referrals or non-emergency help, as well as those wanting to volunteer, are urged to call 211. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri and helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. In areas where 211 is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626. Information is also available on the Web at www.211missouri.org, or by
e-mailing 211missouri@stl.unitedway.org.

The Department of Natural Resources also has additional resources available to help guide flood cleanup efforts available on its Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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