The Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FAD PReP)/National Animal Health Emergency Response System (NAHEMS) Guidelines provide the foundation for a coordinated national, regional, state and local response in an emergency. As such, they are meant to complement non-federal preparedness activities. These guidelines may be integrated into the preparedness plans of other federal agencies, state and local agencies, tribal nations, and additional groups involved in animal health emergency management activities.

The Disposal Guidelines are a component of APHIS’ FAD PReP/NAHEMS Guideline Series, and are designed for use by APHIS Veterinary Services (VS), and other official response personnel in the event of an animal health emergency, such as the natural occurrence or intentional introduction of a highly contagious foreign animal disease in the United States.

The Disposal Guidelines provide guidance for USDA employees, including National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC) members, on disposal principles for animal health emergency deployments. This Guideline provides information for Disposal Group Supervisors and other personnel associated with disposal activities involving animal carcasses and related materials. The general principles discussed in this document are intended to serve as a basis for making sound decisions regarding disposal. As always, it is important to evaluate each situation and adjust procedures to the risks present in the situation.

The FAD PReP/NAHEMS Guidelines are designed for use as a preparedness resource rather than as a comprehensive response document. For more detailed response information, consult the FAD PReP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): 14. Disposal and plans developed specifically for the incident. Additional disposal resources are included in the references at the end of this document.