Disposing of dead stock

After a natural disaster, emergency or losses from disease, you must dispose of dead animals in a way that doesn't threaten public health or the environment.

Inappropriately dumping carcases risks polluting watercourses, producing smells, spreading disease and impacting the community.

After a disaster

Where disposal of carcases after a disaster may affect towns or where people live, they should be buried or disposed of in a landfill.

Speak to your local council about solid waste landfills. Some councils do not accept dead stock in landfill.

Losses from disease

If stock have died from an emergency animal disease, you must dispose of them according to the Animal Health Australia's Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN).

Read more about notifiable diseases in animals and how to report them.

To find out about AUSVETPLAN and responding to an emergency animal disease, go to the Animal Health Australia website.

For more information talk to your local veterinarian, livestock biosecurity or make a free call to the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.