ORONO – University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, has published “Safe Disposal of Backyard Poultry Mortalities,” a bulletin with step-by-step instructions for composting dead poultry safely. Many Mainers keep poultry and deaths occur even in well-cared-for flocks. Proper disposal of carcasses minimizes risks to humans, the remaining flock and the environment.

The bulletin was developed specifically to inform and prepare flock owners, producers and others regarding proper disposal methods for routine and catastrophic bird deaths. Proper on-site composting can provide a bio-secure, effective method of carcass disposal. A properly constructed pile will contain the right mix of materials and be big enough to maintain heat, yet small enough to aerate. The information is relevant for both domestic and wild flocks and deaths caused by avian influenza.

UMaine Extension’s companion bulletin, “What Small Flock Owners in Maine Need to Know About Avian Influenza,” explains how people with backyard poultry flocks can keep their birds healthy, lists the symptoms of avian influenza in infected birds, and provides instructions for having dead birds tested by the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

“Safe Disposal of Backyard Poultry Mortalities” was developed by associate extension professor Mark Hutchinson and the Maine Department of Agriculture’s management resource coordinator Bill Seekins. For free copies of the publication, e-mail puborders@umext.maine.edu, call (800) 287-0274 or visit www.umext.maine.edu.