MINNESOTA

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 Minnesota

Minnesota Board of Animal Health

Address: 625 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55155

Dead animals (other than those slaughtered for human or animal consumption) must dispose of the carcass within 72 hours unless other arrangements for disposal have been approved by the board. Disposal options addressed:

• Rendering: Allowed.
• Burial: Allowed.
• Burning: Allowed. The carcass of a domestic animal that died of anthrax must be cremated or disposed of in a manner approved by the board.
• Composting: Allowed.
• Other Methods: other manners approved by the board as being equally effective for the control of animal diseases.

More Information

Composting Animal Mortalities on the Farm (Minnesota Board of Animal Health, 2009). Gives information on composting animal mortalities as well as information on regulations pertaining to the composting structure, compost pile, type of livestock that can be composted and what can be done with the finished product.

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 Minnesota.

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