Incinerators can play an important role in agricultural bio security where the destruction of contaminated waste at source is a crucial part of the containment process. Standard bio security measures for farms include the careful cleaning and disinfecting of premises and vehicles, but in the case of an outbreak of disease these measures alone may not be enough. Livestock movements may be controlled and preventative steps taken to reduce the risk of animal diseases being transmitted to humans, including procedures to protect visitors on open farms. Contaminated livestock which may need to be destroyed on site to avoid the risk of transportation can be incinerated via mobile incinerators which would be subject to the same regulations as fixed incinerators at approved sites.
Incineration of old or soiled feed, used livestock bedding, disposable clothing and used farm or veterinary equipment can be a good biosecurity measure, as any of these could cause contamination.
If there is a livestock death the animal carcass must be disposed of by an approved contractor, frequently through incineration, as it is prohibited to burn or bury fallen stock on farmland.
Incineration is also an accepted method for the safe disposal of animal by-products. Animal by-products (ABP) are animal carcasses, parts of animals, or other materials which come from animals but are not meant for human consumption; they can either be destroyed or can be used to make compost, biogas or other products. Incineration and co-incineration is suitable for the safe disposal of category 1, 2 and 3 ABPs, as the process allows for the complete destruction of the material at approved and registered sites such as those using high or low capacity incinerators for this purpose.
The incineration process means that ABPs can be sent to landfill if they are completely incinerated and only ash remains, without adverse effect on biosecurity. In England and Wales, ash from category 2 or category 3 pig and poultry ABPs can be used on farmland, thus generating a useful product from the ABPs themselves.
Speak to our one our UK sales team to find out how Inciner8 and our range of DEFRA approved animal incinerators can help you stay bio-secure in the unfortunate event of a disease outbreak.
