Veterinary Compliance Assistance

HorseKANSAS

Carcass Disposal State Regulations

General

Depending on circumstances, large animal carcass disposal may be regulated by a state's solid waste, medical waste, agriculture, or emergency management regulations. If your state does not provide specific guidance or regulations relating to large animal carcass disposal, check with your local health department, or city/county laws and ordinances.

In addition, during emergency situations and disasters (e.g., blizzards, floods, hurricanes, mass die-offs, etc.), consult with your local emergency officials, your state emergency planning agency, or the state veterinarian, to determine approved methods of carcass disposal.


Applicable Agencies and Regulations for Kansas

Kansas Animal Health Department

Address: 708 SW Jackson St., Topeka, KS 66603

Contact Information: https://agriculture.ks.gov/contact-us

Rules and Regulations: Persons disposing of dead animals shall do so in one of the following ways: (1) Burial; (2) incineration; (3) delivery or unloading of the carcasses of dead animals or packing house refuse at a disposal plant, substation, rendering plant or place of transfer licensed by the commissioner; or (4) in accordance with rules and regulations adopted pursuant to K.S.A. 2000 Supp. 65-1,199. Disposal options addressed, include:

  • rendering,

  • burial (at least 3 feet underground),

  • incineration, and

  • composting.


More Information

The Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI) maintains a database of carcass disposal state regulations promulgated by state environmental, agricultural and other agencies. There may be additional information on this site, not found on VetCA, that can be helpful to veterinarians, ranchers and farmers. Click here to access the CWMI information for Kansas.

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