title: Methods and microbial risks associated with composting of animal carcasses in the United States.
abstract: Composting is an alternative method of carcass disposal in those situations when conventional methods are inadequate. With proper maintenance and monitoring, carcass composting systems can be safe and efficient with minimal environmental impacts. Importantly, proper composting eliminates many pathogens and may reduce levels of carcass contamination with spore-forming bacteria, prions, and other pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
authors.forename: Anna Catharina B
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Berge
authors.forename: Thomas D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Glanville
authors.forename: Patricia D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Millner
authors.forename: Donald J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Klingborg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D002102:Cadaver; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D014481:United States; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods*