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The threat of agricultural bioterrorism is clearly a realistic concern and one that we must be prepared for in today's political climate. It is imperative that we prepare for catastrophic disease events, such as the FMD epidemic in Great Britain and the recent Avian Influenza outbreak in Virginia. An outbreak of a highly contagious virus, such as Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), presents challenges of biocontainment, particularly when large numbers of diseased carcasses need to be disposed of in a short period of time. The commonly used disposal methods of open pyre burning and burial have prompted environmental and biosecurity concerns. These concerns compel investigation of an alternative disposal method. The objective of this research is to evaluate composting as a feasible alternative for inactivating animal viruses: Will an adequate level of biocontainment be achieved when composting large amounts of animal carcasses/tissue. <P>
Our research objectives are: <OL> <LI> Determine if biocontainment can be achieved when composting large amounts of carcasses/tissue; <LI> Determine if composting will inactivate viruses; <LI> Assess composting performance through seasonal weather changes.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: In light of recent terrorist threats, the possibility of agricultural bioterrorism is clearly a realistic concern and one for which we should be prepared. The development of an effective plan for emergency disposal of diseased animals is essential for promoting animal health and for a healthy agricultural economic outlook. <P>APPROACH: Our approach in addressing these objectives is to add nonpathogenic vaccine viruses (Newcastle Disease virus and Avian Encephalomyelitis virus) to the compost pile. We will directly test the viability of the viruses in the pile. Additionally, sentinel animals will be used to determine if the viruses are being contained within, and on the surface of, the compost pile. Finally, replications will be performed three times throughout the year to assess the impact of seasonal weather changes.
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PROGRESS: 2003/07 TO 2006/07 <BR>
OUTPUTS: This research project included activities such as the development of methods for the large scale composting of large amounts of animal carcasses. Various types of data was collected from the composting site and was used to determine inactivation of animal viruses and biocontainment. Photographs were taken at the site and used in training and reporting venues including various meetings and a website. The results of this research were disseminated at annual scientific and animal producer conferences / meetings by oral and poster presenations. The results and methodology from the project were included on a website that is accessible by the public. <BR> TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of this project are all who work with disposing of animal mortalities in animal agriculture, those with concerns about controlling animal diseases and those involved with public health and environmental concerns. This includes animal producers, animal health experts, animal and environmental regulatory officials and public health officials. <BR> <BR>
IMPACT: 2003/07 TO 2006/07<BR>
Six individual studies were conducted to evaluate biosecurity of large-scale composting of animal carcasses. These trials were initiated at various times of the year to explore seasonal effects. The duration of the trials were well over one year, lasting from 15-18 months. The results of these trials provide evidence that composting resulted in the inactivation of Newcastle disease virus and avian encephalomyelitis virus. The composting methods used also contained the viruses within the compost pile. These findings suggest that composting is a biosecure, safe, environmentally friendly and feasible way to dispose of large amounts of contaminated animal carcasses that may occur in such catastrophic disease events as foot and mouth disease and Newcastle disease.