Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide

methods approved by the American Veterinary Many in the wildlife control industry consider Medical Association (AVMA). Whatever euthanasia by carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to be the euthanasia techniques are used, technicians are most user-friendly of the AVMA-approved advised to reduce animal stress as much as methods approved by the American Veterinary Many in the wildlife control industry consider Medical Association (AVMA). Whatever euthanasia by carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to be the euthanasia techniques are used, technicians are most user-friendly of the AVMA-approved advised to reduce animal stress as much as

disposal in a landfill to avoid any secondary handling, or transfer, and the method is

poisoning of scavengers or other animals. relatively safe for PMPs. To euthanize animals

Pest management professionals interested in by CO 2 , you need a euthanasia chamber,

bottled CO 2 , gas regulator, flow meter, and more information on euthanasia methods are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian

tubing. Details are provided at: http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/def

or the report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia (AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of

ault.aspx . Animals, 2013 Edition). This report is available

Be aware of all relevant laws and regulations

online at:

concerning the handling, storage, and https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents transportation of pressurized tanks. Improper

/euthanasia.pdf .

handling of tanks can result in serious injuries, It is the responsibility of PMPs to use

property damage, and fines from the US euthanasia practices that are safe and

Department of Transportation.

effective.

Cervical Dislocation

Cervical dislocation (“wringing the neck”) is

Disposal of Carcasses

appropriate for small birds, provided the The PMP is responsible for the proper disposal technician has been trained in this method. of animal carcasses to protect public health, Grasp the legs or base of the wings with one water supplies, and the beauty of the

hand and the head between the forefinger and landscape. Always follow the pesticide label

the thumb with the other. Stretch the neck by when disposing of carcasses treated with pulling on the head while twisting the head.

pesticides. Follow the guidelines of the Illinois Dead Animal Disposal Act (8 Illinois

Practice is required to become proficient at Administrative Code Ch. I, 90 Subchapter b). cervical dislocation. Failure to pull firmly

enough will injure the bird. Pull too hard and Safety is a primary concern when disposing of carcasses. Wear gloves, preferably thick leather

the head will twist off. Be prepared for ones, when handling carcasses. Gloves reduce

fluttering of wings as this can occur even with the risk of receiving scratches and scrapes from proper use of cervical dislocation. claws and teeth. Some use leather welder’s

Sodium Pentobarbital

gloves for their durability, low cost, and ability An injection of sodium pentobarbital is

to protect hands and wrists. Nitrile gloves worn considered by many to be the most humane

inside leather gloves are helpful when exposure method of euthanasia. Acquisition, possession,

to animal fluids is likely.

and use of this drug is strictly regulated by state Additionally, ticks, fleas, and other and federal laws, so the assistance of a ectoparasites will leave carcasses in search of

veterinarian or animal shelter will be needed. new hosts. Be vigilant when handling carcasses The carcasses of animals euthanized by drugs veterinarian or animal shelter will be needed. new hosts. Be vigilant when handling carcasses The carcasses of animals euthanized by drugs

Dispose of carcasses immediately or freeze them to prevent odor problems that occur with decomposition. Freezing has an added benefit of reducing the risk of contaminating surfaces with spilled fluids that may harbor infectious diseases.

Landfill

Secure the carcass in a dark-colored 3-mm thick plastic bag or double-bag it to protect sanitation workers from fluids or noxious odors. Dispose of carcasses at a solid waste landfill willing to accept animals. The transporting vehicle should proceed directly to the landfill, should not allow leakage of carcass fluids, and the carcasses should be covered.

Burial

Illinois only allows animal burials on land owned or operated by the PMP. Select burial sites where runoff will not contaminate water supplies. Burial sites must be at least 200 feet away from open water, potable water supplies, and residences not owned by the PMP.

Common sense dictates that carcasses should not be buried in an area with a high groundwater table. Bury carcasses deep enough to allow at least 6 inches of compacted soil above the highest part of the animal. You must take precautions against any disturbance of the site by erosion, animals, and equipment.

You may not use chemicals such as lime to slow decomposition of carcasses. Final cover or settling shall be limited to a 5% or less slope differential from the normal gradient of its general surroundings.

Illinois limits the amount of carcasses that may

be buried in a particular location. Burials may not exceed a ratio of 1 pound of dead animal to

1 square foot of surface area on an annual basis. You may not bury more than 3,000 pounds of dead animals in each site location, and the same site shall not be used more frequently than once every two years for burial purposes. You may not have more than three sites within a 120-foot radius.

Burial site locations shall be available for inspection by Department personnel during normal working hours.

Read the pesticide label and avoid burying carcasses dispatched with chemicals that can have a lasting effect on the environment.

Incineration

Any disposal by burning must be performed with an incinerator that is in compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act [415 ILCS 5]. Illinois prohibits the open burning of carcasses. Your veterinarian may be able to help you locate suitable incineration sites. Note that the Avitrol ® label prohibits the incineration of animals killed by the product.

Composting

This method of disposal rapidly decomposes a carcass using mechanical mixing and naturally occurring bacteria. For this method to be successful you must use the proper equipment, material, and management. View the Illinois Department of Agriculture website for more information on disposal methods ( http://www.epa.state.il.us/agriculture/waste.h tml ). Composting is not recommended for small volume or one-time disposal events.

Concluding Thoughts Additional Resources

http://wildlifecontroltraining.com Pest management professionals have a variety

of tools available for the management of

http://icwdm.org/

human-bird conflicts. It is your responsibility to use the right combination of methods to

http://wildlifecontrol.info

achieve the needed results in a cost-effective http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/field_ and responsible manner.

manual/