MISSISSIPPI

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 Mississippi

Mississippi Board of Animal Health

Address: PO Box 3889, Jackson, MS 39207

Contact Information: http://www.mbah.state.ms.us/about/contact.htm

Rules and Regulations: Rules of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health Chapter 07: Disposition of Dead Animals. Section 100 covers proper disposal of carcasses and offal of all livestock except poultry (which are covered in 105 and 106 below) and section 101 covers swine Disposal Options Addressed, include:

• Landfilling: At permitted landfills.

• Burial: Buried on owner's property or another's property with specific approval and setbacks and must be done before the end of the work day in which the dead animal is found.

• Burning: Incinerators may be used with written permission from the State Veterinarian.

• Composting: Composters may be used with written permission from the State Veterinarian.

• Other Methods: For large numbers of animal carcasses it will be necessary to contact the Board of Animal Health for approval of the disposal site.

Rules and Regulations: Rules of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health Chapter 13: Poultry sections 105 and 106. Mortalities must be properly disposed of in an approved incinerator, compost system, or freezer. Disposal Options Addressed, include:

• Burial: On and after October 1, 1998, no pits will be dug for the normal disposal of dead commercial poultry in Mississippi.

• Burning: Incinerator must be approved by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBHA).

• Composting: Composters must be approved by MBAH.

• Other Methods: Emergency permits for pits may be granted by MBAH, alligator farms may be used for disposal of dead poultry when approved guidelines are followed.

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 Mississippi.

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