Potential Carcass Disposal Sites

The Animal Health Division of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is developing a model for determining potential carcass disposal sites in case of an animal health emergency. This model assumes the worst-case scenario in which large numbers of animal carcasses would need to be disposed in a short time.

To locate potential sites for disposal, staff uses ArcGIS to analyze Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) digital soils layers and land cover data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Initiative for Statewide Cooperation on Landscape Analysis and Data. When potential sites have been identified, staff does further testing to determine suitability. Currently, DATCP is working with NRCS to refine the model for better determination of soils that would be suitable for carcass disposal. By using ArcGIS, the amount of time spent to locate disposal sites can be greatly reduced.