Animals
Many wild animals
have been forced from their natural habitats by flooding, and many
domestic animals are also without homes after the flood. Take care to
avoid these animals, because they may carry rabies. Remember, most
animals are disoriented and displaced, too. Do not corner an animal. If
an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control
authorities. Your local and state health department can provide
information about the types of wild animals that carry rabies in your
area.
Rats may be a problem
during and after a flood. Take care to secure all food supplies, and
remove any animal carcasses in the vicinity by contacting your local
animal control authorities.
If you are bitten by
any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a
snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if
poisonous, the correct anti-venom may be administered.
Animal Disposal After a Flood
Most states have their own guidelines on disposal of dead animals, so
people with questions regarding the specific situation in their state
are highly encouraged to contact local or state health and agricultural
officials for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special health risks I need to be aware of when
disposing of dead animals after a flood?
The risk to humans from animal carcasses is low if proper precautions
are taken.
- Practice proper hand washing to
prevent infection with certain pathogens that may be transmitted from
farm animals, including Salmonella and E. coli.
- Secure all food sources and remove
any animal carcasses to avoid attracting rats.
- Wear insect repellant when outdoors.
Flooding may lead to more mosquitoes, which can carry disease.
- Be on the alert for snakes that may
be hiding in unusual places after flooding. If you are bitten, try to
identify the snake so that if it is poisonous, you can be given the
correct antivenin. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom
out. Contact your local emergency department for further care.
People working to clean up areas
containing swine or poultry carcasses should take the following
precautions:
- Wear protective clothing, including
waterproof gloves, waterproof boots, and protective eyewear (cover any
open wounds).
- Use duct tape to seal tops of gloves
and boots to prevent water seepage.
- Wear respiratory protection – an
N-95 respirator or better.
- If you smell hydrogen sulfide (a
rotten egg smell), get out of the building and call your county
extension office.
- Clean and disinfect all clothing and
boots after handling carcass-contaminated materials.
- Wash work clothes separately from
street clothes.
- Wash hands thoroughly before placing
fingers in mouth (nail biting, etc.).
- Shower and wash hair thoroughly
after handling carcass-contaminated materials.
How do I dispose of a dead animal on
my property during flood cleanup?
It is usually the responsibility of the owner or person in charge of
domesticated animals to appropriately dispose of dead animals in
accordance with local or state ordinances within 24 hours after
knowledge of the death. It can be the responsibility of the municipal or
county government to designate appropriate people to dispose of any
domestic dead animals whose owner cannot be identified.
Contact your local animal control department, local health department,
or state veterinarian for specific disposal guidance.
My pet was killed in the flood. Can I bury it on my property?
Several cities require Animal Care and Control agencies to manage the
disposal of family pets and other dead animals, except for livestock.
Check with your local authorities for more information.
If not, how do I dispose of the remains?
1. Wear gloves.
2. Cover your gloved hand with a plastic trash bag, pick up the remains,
then invert the trash bag over the remains and seal the bag.
3. For larger animals, use a shovel to place remains inside a plastic
trash bag, then rinse off the shovel with water.
4. Call your local animal care and control agency for further
instructions and to request pickup.
5. Wash your hands.
I am a farmer and I lost a lot of livestock during the flood. How do I
dispose of multiple animal remains?
Each farm operation should have
specific plans for animal disposal in the event of an emergency. Farm
operations should check with state and local authorities to ensure their
plan meets local requirements.
In addition, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
can provide technical advice and assistance on the effective disposal of
animal carcasses. The main phone number for the APHIS Emergency
Management Staff in Riverdale, Maryland is 301-734-8073. Local phone
numbers may be established in the event of an emergency response.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/
These guidelines are intended to address dead animal disposal during a
declared emergency. They do not take the place of the dead animal
disposal that occurs under the normal permitted operation of a farm.
Related Links and Resources
For articles regarding disposal of dead animal production—U.S.
Department of Agriculture:
http://www.nalusda.gov/awic/pubs/carcass.htm
For comparative methods of carcass disposal in animal
production—Minnesota Board of Animal Health:
http://www.bah.state.mn.us/animals/carcass%20disposal/carcass_disposal.htm
For local assistance available without a Major Determination of
Disaster, contact the Animal Diseases and Plant Pests Control section of
the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Emergency
Management Staff in Riverdale, Maryland, at 301-734-8073. Local phone
numbers would be established in the event of an emergency response.
http://www.usda.gov/da/ocpm/nda.htm
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Disaster Preparedness
Series
http://www.avma.org/disaster/resources.asp Lists several disaster
preparedness sites link to state and local resources related to animals |
