Infectious Diseases 2025

Infectious Diseases 2025

Burying poultry carcasses on-farm: Insights from an avian influenza crisis in France

Poultry Science 104 (2025) 19 January, 2025

A study examining the disposal of poultry carcasses during avian influenza outbreaks in France was published in Poultry Science. This research underscores the significance of effective disposal methods, particularly on-farm burial, to ensure both disease control (avian influenza) and environmental protection. The investigation was conducted during a substantial epizootic in France, where rapid and effective disposal methods were critical for controlling the spread of avian influenza. The research encompassed five study sites where poultry carcasses were buried during the avian influenza crisis. The study evaluated various factors, including the persistence of avian influenza virus (AIV) RNA in the burial sites, the microbiological safety of the surrounding environment, and the physical changes in the burial pits over time.
Key findings indicated that AIV RNA could persist for up to nine months in the burial environment, necessitating restricted access to these sites to prevent potential transmission. Moreover, while Clostridium botulinum was detected in some samples, no Salmonella spp. were identified, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of microbiological results. The study concluded that although on-farm burial is a seemingly straightforward and cost-effective method for carcass disposal, it necessitates well-defined protocols to mitigate environmental risks and pathogen persistence. Overall, this research serves as a foundational reference for enhancing carcass disposal practices in future crisis situations.