Communication is important during incidents like the current highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at a Jefferson County poultry farm, DATCP writes.
The birds will be composted after depopulation; composting is the most efficient and environmentally responsible method for disposal of bird carcasses. Compost piles will be constructed in a manner that includes a thick cover of compost carbon on top and underneath the carcasses. Encasing and topping the carcasses with at least one foot of the carbon layer encourages the higher temperatures that speed decomposition, absorbs odors, and provides additional protection against water penetrating to the area of the windrow where the chickens have been placed.
The selected compost site, which is owned by the producer, has sufficient area and meets the locational criteria for a compost site to avoid groundwater contamination.
The department continues to work with local, state and federal partners to engage with all affected parties in a time-sensitive manner. As partners continue to work toward depopulation and safe composting, the DATCP HPAI in Wisconsin website will be updated daily.
DATCP will also continue to publish updated versions of the HPAI in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions document — a living document updated on an ongoing basis. Today, in an effort to continue to engage with the community and provide updates as soon as possible, the FAQ document was delivered to neighbors surrounding the compost site.
Send questions to [email protected].
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