What role does the Environmental Protection Agency have in disposal of carcasses infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza?

Answer:

The Environmental Protection Agency supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and other federal, state, and local partners. EPA is not a lead agency in carcass disposal but, if requested, can provide technical assistance and guidance on carcass disposal options. In addition, EPA is the Water Sector Lead for the federal government and can provide guidance and communications to water and wastewater owners and operators to help response or recovery efforts in the event of an incident.

Historically, EPA has dealt with contaminated livestock only when responding to oil/hazmat spills in agricultural settings or when state solid waste agencies have requested technical assistance with landfill questions. However, USDA’s authority under the Animal Health Protection Act provides for the control and eradication of serious foreign animal disease agents; typically, these efforts include depopulation and disposal of affected or exposed livestock and of domestic commercial birds. Such actions might overlap with EPA’s various statutory authorities for protection of human health and the environment. For this reason, USDA requires consultation with state environmental authorities to minimize potential environmental effects associated with disposal of contaminated material (November, 2005 National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS) Disposal Guidelines). State and local authorities also exist for disposal. State environmental authorities and EPA could also be consulted for technical assistance.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) coordinates the Federal government’s surveillance of wild migratory birds for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, coordinates Federal surveillance with related surveillance activities of state fish and wildlife agencies, and is the primary Federal department responsible for addressing avian influenza matters in wild, free-ranging bird species. Similar to its support role to USDA, if requested EPA can provide technical assistance and guidance on carcass disposal options.

Last Updated: 05/27/2007