On-Site Composting for Bio-Containment and Safe Disposal of Infectious Animal Carcasses and Manure in the Event of a Bio-Terrorism Attack

This project was sponsored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI–Canada’s equivalent of US Homeland Security Agency). The purpose was to evaluate the design and performance of a bio-secure swine mortality composting system. The original design, which includes an external plastic biosecurity membrane, was first used during an avian influenza outbreak in British Columbia in 2004. In 2006 the Canadian government requested engineering assistance from ISU to improve the composting system and extend its use to disposal of larger species such as swine. Specific objectives include studies of moisture distribution and loss within the composting matrix; the function and optimal spacing of passive aeration devices; effects of envelope material type on temperature, O2, and decomposition rates; and identification of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) that might be used to safely assess completion of animal tissue decomposition without disrupting the biosecurity membrane