The USDA-APHIS National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program has awarded a $150,000 grant to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to evaluate disposal of carcasses following a mass depletion event. 

Dr. Zong Liu of the Department of Biologic and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University will prepare advisories on disposal of carcasses including videos. Dr. Liu stated “Our goal is to provide learning opportunities that can help producers before, during, and after a mass casualty event, like a disease outbreak.”  He added, “To identify the need for this type of resource and this grant is helping us create educational and interactive components to meet that goal.”

Specific information will be provided on disposal methods including burying, composting, incineration, or other methods that meet health and environmental standards and are economically and practically feasible.