Massachusetts Avian Flu and Other Carcass Management Planning

1. Massachusetts Avian Flu and Other Carcass Management Planning John FischerMassDEP MHOA 2007 Seminars In Massachusetts, several agencies are engaged in planning for Avian Flu or other animal diseases. MassDEP has prepared a draft Avian Flu Debris Management Plan that is a small part of this larger effort. In Massachusetts, several agencies are engaged in planning for Avian Flu or other animal diseases. MassDEP has prepared a draft Avian Flu Debris Management Plan that is a small part of this larger effort.

2. Massachusetts All Hazards Planning Revising statewide plan to manage debris from all types of hazards Stakeholder meetings to provide recommendations and inform and support planning One component of the plan: carcass management Specific Avian Flu Debris Management Plan MassDEP is revising the existing state Disaster Debris Management Plan for managing debris from ALL types of hazards (e.g., hurricanes, floods, etc). The existing all hazards debris management plan is an Annex to the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). DEP will work with MEMA and other state and local agencies on this planning effort. This Avian Flu Debris Management Plan is the first component of that broader planning initiative. MassDEP is revising the existing state Disaster Debris Management Plan for managing debris from ALL types of hazards (e.g., hurricanes, floods, etc). The existing all hazards debris management plan is an Annex to the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). DEP will work with MEMA and other state and local agencies on this planning effort. This Avian Flu Debris Management Plan is the first component of that broader planning initiative.

3. Avian Flu Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus � H5N1 Poses risk to people and birds Virus can survive outside live host for limited time. Short term exposure to heat, pH extremes, or dryness can inactivate virus. Threat to public health and the environment, however, no cases have been found in US. Most strains of avian flu affect wild or domestic birds and are not a threat to humans. However, one highly pathogenic avian influenza virus � H5N1 � has infected a number of people in Europe and Asia. These cases occurred in individuals who were in close contact with infected birds. Short-term exposure to heat, pH extremes, or dryness will kill the avian flu virus outside of a live host, but it can survive longer in cold, wet conditions. So far, there have been NO documented cases of H5N1 in the United States. But, given the potential threat to public health and the environment, agencies worldwide are monitoring bird populations and planning for how to respond to and control an outbreak. Proper management of avian flu debris is an important part of limiting disease transmission in the event of an outbreak. Most strains of avian flu affect wild or domestic birds and are not a threat to humans. However, one highly pathogenic avian influenza virus � H5N1 � has infected a number of people in Europe and Asia. These cases occurred in individuals who were in close contact with infected birds. Short-term exposure to heat, pH extremes, or dryness will kill the avian flu virus outside of a live host, but it can survive longer in cold, wet conditions. So far, there have been NO documented cases of H5N1 in the United States. But, given the potential threat to public health and the environment, agencies worldwide are monitoring bird populations and planning for how to respond to and control an outbreak. Proper management of avian flu debris is an important part of limiting disease transmission in the event of an outbreak.

4. Planning Team Planning Team: Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) Department of Public Health (DPH) Determine roles and responsibilities and protocol for avian flu and other carcass management Avian Flu plan may act as model for many types of carcass management The Massachusetts avian flu planning team includes MassDEP, the Department of Agricultural Resources, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Public Health. These agencies are working together to determine roles and responsibilities for avian flu and other carcass management. The Massachusetts avian flu planning team includes MassDEP, the Department of Agricultural Resources, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Public Health. These agencies are working together to determine roles and responsibilities for avian flu and other carcass management.

5. If Avian Flu Suspected Agricultural Settings USDA DAR Wild Birds US Fish and Wildlife Service MassWildlife In agricultural settings such as poultry farms, the US Department of Agriculture and the Mass Dept of Agricultural Resources will serve as lead agencies for coordinating response to an actual or suspected avian flu outbreak. If wild birds are affected, then the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Mass Wildlife will serve as the lead coordinating agencies. In agricultural settings such as poultry farms, the US Department of Agriculture and the Mass Dept of Agricultural Resources will serve as lead agencies for coordinating response to an actual or suspected avian flu outbreak. If wild birds are affected, then the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Mass Wildlife will serve as the lead coordinating agencies.

6. Scope of Draft Avian Flu Management Plan Primary plan for preventing, controlling, and responding to avian flu outbreaks in Massachusetts farm settings and wild birds. Provide recommendations, planning and support for managing debris from avian flu animal carcasses, litter, and associated material. Develop model/resources/tools for avian flu and other carcass management issues The draft Avian Flu Debris Management Plan provide recommendations, planning and support for managing avian flu debris, that is, animal carcasses, litter, and associated material, both at farms and among wild birds. The plan will serve as the model response strategy, including resources and tools, for avian flu and other carcass management scenarios.The draft Avian Flu Debris Management Plan provide recommendations, planning and support for managing avian flu debris, that is, animal carcasses, litter, and associated material, both at farms and among wild birds. The plan will serve as the model response strategy, including resources and tools, for avian flu and other carcass management scenarios.

7. Discussion Draft Meeting with many groups across state to solicit input on draft plan and improve preparation and planning Expect to revise plan based on comments and new information MassDEP has begun holding informational meetings with many groups around the state to solicit inputs and improve preparation and planning for avian flu debris management. MassDEP will also hold working meetings with other agencies and key parties such as farms and the solid waste industry in responding to an avian flu outbreak. We expect to revise this discussion draft as we learn more about avian flu debris management. MassDEP has begun holding informational meetings with many groups around the state to solicit inputs and improve preparation and planning for avian flu debris management. MassDEP will also hold working meetings with other agencies and key parties such as farms and the solid waste industry in responding to an avian flu outbreak. We expect to revise this discussion draft as we learn more about avian flu debris management.

8. If Outbreak�Debris Management Issue Avian Flu Debris Management Plan Includes: General statewide planning for small farms and wild birds Specific plans for largest poultry farms In the event of an avian flu outbreak, the Avian Flu Debris Management Plan will be activated to manage bird carcasses and associated materials to prevent spread of the disease. The Plan include general statewide plans for small farms and wild birds, and specific plans for the largest poultry farms. In the event of an avian flu outbreak, the Avian Flu Debris Management Plan will be activated to manage bird carcasses and associated materials to prevent spread of the disease. The Plan include general statewide plans for small farms and wild birds, and specific plans for the largest poultry farms.

9. General Plan Options On-farm composting � often preferred On-farm burial On-farm burning Off-site - municipal waste combustion facility or landfill Other? On-farm composting will often be the preferred method, at least for larger farms. However, it is important to maintain as many options as possible. Other choices include: on-farm burial; on-farm burning; transporting off-site for disposal in a municipal waste combustion facility or landfill; or other methods of disposal yet to be identified or that are not commercially available. On�farm burning is likely not a viable option. For smaller farms, backyard flocks, or wild-birds, off-site management options may be preferredOn-farm composting will often be the preferred method, at least for larger farms. However, it is important to maintain as many options as possible. Other choices include: on-farm burial; on-farm burning; transporting off-site for disposal in a municipal waste combustion facility or landfill; or other methods of disposal yet to be identified or that are not commercially available. On�farm burning is likely not a viable option. For smaller farms, backyard flocks, or wild-birds, off-site management options may be preferred

10. On-Site Composting On-farm management preferred � bio-security Preferred locational and geographical criteria Equipment, training and composting expertise Pre-qualified compost consultants contract List of compost suppliers In many cases, at least for larger farms, composting on-site is a preferred option because it reduces the risk of spreading the disease by transporting carcasses to other locations. Composting has been demonstrated to kill the avian flu virus due to temperatures reached in the composting process. However, on-farm composting will not always be appropriate. Planning must consider locational and geographical criteria such as: nearby residents and land-uses; proximity to drinking water and surface water; and availability of indoor, covered space versus outdoor space. MassDEP and partner agencies will develop Master Service Agreements for equipment, training, and composting expertise to support on-farm composting.In many cases, at least for larger farms, composting on-site is a preferred option because it reduces the risk of spreading the disease by transporting carcasses to other locations. Composting has been demonstrated to kill the avian flu virus due to temperatures reached in the composting process. However, on-farm composting will not always be appropriate. Planning must consider locational and geographical criteria such as: nearby residents and land-uses; proximity to drinking water and surface water; and availability of indoor, covered space versus outdoor space. MassDEP and partner agencies will develop Master Service Agreements for equipment, training, and composting expertise to support on-farm composting.

11. On-Site Burial or Combustion Drinking water is primary concern Maintain 4 foot separation from groundwater Future use of area considered On-site combustion Creates air pollution Bird carcasses don�t burn well In cases where it may not be possible to compost carcasses on-site, other on-site management options will be considered. Drinking water is the primary concern, and a four feet separation must be maintained between buried carcasses and groundwater. Also, future use of the area must be considered. On-site combustion is not expected to be a viable option due to air pollution concerns and the fact that bird carcasses don�t burn well. In cases where it may not be possible to compost carcasses on-site, other on-site management options will be considered. Drinking water is the primary concern, and a four feet separation must be maintained between buried carcasses and groundwater. Also, future use of the area must be considered. On-site combustion is not expected to be a viable option due to air pollution concerns and the fact that bird carcasses don�t burn well.

12. Other Options On-site or off-site disinfection/microwaving and alkaline digestion Not commercially available in state Rendering Cannot accept infected carcasses Off-site composting Not expected to be a viable option Other options for managing bird carcasses are presently limited in Massachusetts, though this may change over time. Disinfection/microwaving and alkaline digestion have been explored elsewhere but are not commercially available in Massachusetts. Rendering processors are typically unable to accept infected birds. Off-site composting is not expected to be a viable option as this activity does not fit well with existing commercial composting operations.Other options for managing bird carcasses are presently limited in Massachusetts, though this may change over time. Disinfection/microwaving and alkaline digestion have been explored elsewhere but are not commercially available in Massachusetts. Rendering processors are typically unable to accept infected birds. Off-site composting is not expected to be a viable option as this activity does not fit well with existing commercial composting operations.

13. Off-Site Disposal Pre-qualify sites and haulers Properly permitted Willing and able to accept Establish de-contamination procedures for trucks leaving farm Establish bio-security procedures at receiving facility Off-site disposal may be the most likely alternative if on-site composting will not work well. In particular, off-site management options will need to be available for smaller farms and wild birds. MassDEP and partner agencies will develop Master Service Agreements to pre-qualify permitted disposal facilities and waste haulers willing and able to accept bird carcasses. That MSA will include guidance establishing decontamination procedures for trucks transporting loads of avian flu carcasses and debris, and bio-security procedures to be followed by receiving facilities. Off-site disposal may be the most likely alternative if on-site composting will not work well. In particular, off-site management options will need to be available for smaller farms and wild birds. MassDEP and partner agencies will develop Master Service Agreements to pre-qualify permitted disposal facilities and waste haulers willing and able to accept bird carcasses. That MSA will include guidance establishing decontamination procedures for trucks transporting loads of avian flu carcasses and debris, and bio-security procedures to be followed by receiving facilities.

14. Farm Specific Planning DAR and MassDEP will work with the largest poultry farms in MA to develop site specific plans DAR and MassDEP will work with the largest poultry farms in the Commonwealth to develop site-specific management plans tailored to individual farms.DAR and MassDEP will work with the largest poultry farms in the Commonwealth to develop site-specific management plans tailored to individual farms.

15. Wild Bird Debris Management On-site management likely not a good option Likely the same for backyard flocks Send off-site for disposal Handle carefully (double bag, disinfect tools, gloves) For wild bird carcasses and debris � a few birds in the park, or small backyard flocks�on-site management is not likely to be a good option. These birds will most likely need to be sent off-site for management. Best practices will be established and publicized for safe handling, including double bagging, disinfecting tools, and wearing gloves and masks. For wild bird carcasses and debris � a few birds in the park, or small backyard flocks�on-site management is not likely to be a good option. These birds will most likely need to be sent off-site for management. Best practices will be established and publicized for safe handling, including double bagging, disinfecting tools, and wearing gloves and masks.

16. Handling Avian Flu Questions DPH list of Frequently Asked Questions on Avian Flu for: General Public Health Care Providers www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/avian_flu.htm The Department of Public Health website provides guidance on handling avian flu questions. They list answers to Frequently Asked Questions from both the general public and health care providers at: http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/avian_flu.htm MassDEP recommends that health officers refer to this document to answer questions that they may receive from their residents.The Department of Public Health website provides guidance on handling avian flu questions. They list answers to Frequently Asked Questions from both the general public and health care providers at: http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/avian_flu.htm MassDEP recommends that health officers refer to this document to answer questions that they may receive from their residents.

17. Other Important Contacts Report sick or dead birds: Farms: 1-866-536-7593 Wild Birds: 1-866-4-USDA or 1-866-MassWNV Websites: MA DPH Avian Flu Web Page: http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/avian_flu.htm MA DAR Avian Flu Web Page: http://www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/poultry/avian_influenza.htm MA DFW Animal Disease Web Page: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_avian_flu_response.htm Other important contacts regarding avian flu include: Hotlines for reporting sick or dead birds: - Farms: 1-866-536-7593 - Wild Birds: 1-866-4-USDA or 1-866-MassWNV And other useful websites are: - MA DAR Avian Flu Webpage: http://www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/poultry/avian_influenza.htm - MA DFW Animal Disease Webpage: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_avian_flu_response.htmOther important contacts regarding avian flu include: Hotlines for reporting sick or dead birds: - Farms: 1-866-536-7593 - Wild Birds: 1-866-4-USDA or 1-866-MassWNV And other useful websites are: - MA DAR Avian Flu Webpage: http://www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/poultry/avian_influenza.htm - MA DFW Animal Disease Webpage: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_avian_flu_response.htm

18. Next Steps Continue external meetings and discussions Pre-qualify compost consultants, providers of compost materials, haulers, and facilities to accept infected carcasses Work with DAR and largest poultry farms on plans Develop other carcass management plans (e.g., foot and mouth disease?) The next steps for MassDEP are to: Continue external meetings and discussions to gather additional information and inputs to improve the plan Pre-qualify compost consultants, compost material suppliers, and haulers and disposal facilities able to accept infected carcasses Work with DAR and the largest poultry farms to develop farm specific management plans Develop carcass management plans to address other animal diseases, such as an outbreak of foot and mouth disease on dairy farms.The next steps for MassDEP are to: Continue external meetings and discussions to gather additional information and inputs to improve the plan Pre-qualify compost consultants, compost material suppliers, and haulers and disposal facilities able to accept infected carcasses Work with DAR and the largest poultry farms to develop farm specific management plans Develop carcass management plans to address other animal diseases, such as an outbreak of foot and mouth disease on dairy farms.