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Pathogen analysis of NYSDOT road-killed deer carcass compost facilities.
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2008-09-01
[PDF-2.22 MB]
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Abstract:Composting of deer carcasses was effective in reducing pathogen levels, decomposing the
carcasses and producing a useable end product after 12 months. The composting process used in this project
involved enveloping the carcasses of road-killed deer in woodchips and allowing those piles with natural air
circulation to sit undisturbed. Temperatures were measured and samples from the piles were analyzed
periodically for pathogens and for compost parameters. While significant pathogen reduction occurred in
several months, it took 12 months for all of the measured pathogens to decline to low levels in all of the 6
piles we studied. Samples taken at other sites in NYS that have been composting road-killed deer for over a
year also had low pathogen content. We thus suggest a composting duration of 12 months before use. In the
interest of being cautious, we also recommend that the end product be used in low public contact settings
such as highway rights-of-way.
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