Does composting kill bacteria and viruses?
Studies have shown that proper composting of animal carcasses will destroy most viruses and bacteria common in livestock operations. Viruses such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease and pseudorabies virus are completely inactivated by the end of the second stage of composting. Similarly, bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis, Pasteurella multocida, Erysipelas rhusiopathiae and Salmonella cholerasuis have been successfully destroyed by the composting process. For additional information refer to Composting Animal Mortalities or contact the Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942.
