Managing On-Farm Mortalities

Every livestock producer is responsible for disposing of all livestock mortalities in an environmentally safe and timely manner.

Table of Contents

1. Ontario Dead Animal Disposal Act (DADA)
2. Producer Transported Mortalities
3. Penalties
4. Best Management Practices
5. Ontario Livestock Mortality Collection Service Providers

Ontario Dead Animal Disposal Act (DADA)

In Ontario all dead cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and horses must be disposed of within 48 hours after death, in one of three approved methods:

1. Contacting a provincially licensed collector for pickup
2. Composting under 60 cm (2 feet) of organic substrate, such as straw or sawdust
3. Burying under 60 cm (2 feet) of soil and away from all waterways

The ODADA does not require a licensed collector to pick up mortalities. Producers are responsible for using the composting or burial methods of disposal if collection services are unavailable.

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Producer Transported Mortalities

Since August 2004 producers may transport their livestock mortalities to provincially licensed collectors or other approved sites by following these guidelines:

• Vehicles used for transporting dead animals must be approved by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and have a valid marker.
• Vehicles must be constructed to prevent spillage of liquids.
• Dead animals must be covered at all times during transport.
• After delivering to a deadstock receiving plant, the vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before leaving the plant premise.

To apply for a DADA marker, contact Kevin Joynes, Dead Animal Disposal Advisor at 519-826-7510 or by pager at 1-800-263-1420.

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Penalties

Every person who contravenes the ODADA or the regulations is guilty of an offense. Maximum penalties are $2000 for a first offence and $5000 or up to six months in prison for any subsequent offence.

Best Management Practices

Do's

• Call a collection service once a mortality has been detected.
• Develop a protocol with your collector for pick up, storage, and bio-security.
• If composting, select a site and construct an appropriate container to prevent leaching, or wildlife and pet contact.
• Select burial sites in areas of low environmental risk and away from waterways.
• Learn more about provincial regulations and guidelines regarding disposal.
• Consult your veterinarian if unusual mortalities occur.

Don'ts

• Never allow pets, livestock, vermin or scavengers to consume mortalities.
• Never dispose of livestock mortalities in solid or liquid manure systems. This is not an appropriate composting system.
• Never place mortalities for pick-up in public view or along roadways.
• Never bury animals close to waterways, wells or where water collects.
• Burning or incinerating mortalities is not permitted under the ODADA.

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