Deadstock Management
Day to Day Disposal
In Ontario, disposal and management options and regulations for dealing with livestock and poultry mortalities are outlined on the OMFRA website. They include but are not limited to:
- Deadstock collection service;
- Composting;
- Incineration;
- Disposal vessel;
- Burial;
- Delivery to a licensed disposal facility under the Food Safety & Quality Act (FSQA), e.g. rendering plant;
- Delivery to a waste disposal site (e.g. landfill), if approved under the Environmental Protection Act (most municipal waste disposal sites are not able to accept deadstock);
- Delivery to an anaerobic digester approved under the Nutrient Management Act or Environmental Protection Act; and
- Delivery to a veterinarian for post-mortem and subsequent disposal (infrequent mortalities).
The Regulation requires all deadstock be disposed of within 48 hours of its death or prior to 48 hours if putrefaction begins.
These timelines may be extended if the deadstock is held for post-mortem or loss adjustment. Deadstock may also be stored in cold storage for up to 14 days and in frozen storage for up to 240 days before disposal. For non-infected animals, the full range of disposal choices is available with marketing being the preferred option.
Most on farm incinerators may not be legally used for deadstock disposal. Incinerators require an ETV certificate. Refer to OMAFRA deadstock disposal webpage for the most up to date information.
The Mass Carcass Disposal Considerations Chart provides a schematic of the various decision points to be considered when determining how to handle large numbers of livestock and poultry mortalities. The cause of the mass mortality will initially guide the disposal decisions. Animal deaths resulting from a foreign animal disease must be reported to CFIA. They will direct the disposal options. Complete the When disposing record mortalities, disposal method and disposal location.
The humane treatment of animals and adherence to regulatory requirements regarding deadstock disposal must be followed regardless of the severity of the disaster.