Pig carcass decomposition dynamics: Insights into carcass disposal for emergency animal disease management.

ABSTRACT: Australia is free from many economically devastating emergency animal diseases (EADs) that threaten livestock production in neighbouring countries. In Australia, an important consideration for EAD control is managing susceptible feral animal populations, especially in remote and inaccessible areas where carcass disposal poses considerable logistical challenges. One proposed solution is to utilise natural decomposition above ground through the 'destroy and let lie' (D&LL) method, relying on post-mortem changes in carcass temperature and pH to inactivate the EAD agent. We investigated temperature and pH changes in pig carcasses from death until end-stage decomposition at two locations in Queensland to gain insights into how carcasses left in situ decompose under Australian conditions. Using

SUBMITTER: Schlosberg O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12444604 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature