Foot-and-mouth - disposal of animal carcasses19 April 2001
There have been concerns raised about the burning and burying of animals killed as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. Friends of the Earth believes that the preferred options outlined by the Environment Agency (EA) - rendering, tightly controlled incinerators, state of the art landfills - should be fully used before burning or burying of animals on the farm. However, it is not at all clear that this is happening. Neither the EA nor MAFF seem able or willing to provide a satisfactory answer to this question.
Government data shows that the burning of carcasses is leading to the release of large amounts of dioxins. Dioxins are one of the most toxic compounds known to man. The World Health Organisation has linked dioxins with falling sperm counts, genital malformations and learning difficulties. The dioxins released are likely to be as a result of the materials used to light the pyres - such as old railway sleepers.
The burying of carcasses could lead to contamination of underground water. The EA has said this is a significant risk in some areas, especially those that use underground water for drinking supplies. Potential pollutants include ammonia, chlorides, phosphates, fatty acids and bacterial contamination.
Mike Childs, Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth, said: "There is no doubt that this foot-and-mouth crisis will have an environmental impact, it is important we minimise this impact as far as possible. The Environment Agency's preferred disposal must be used to full capacity before burning or burying on farms. Unfortunately, it appears that MAFF might be ignoring the Environment Agency's hierarchy and instead adopting the cheapest approach. At the end of this crisis we need to detail where all the animals have been disposed of and carry out appropriate monitoring to assess any risks still posed to farmers and the wider environment. We also need to have a public inquiry looking at how the crisis arose and how it has been handled. The vitally important discussion about the future of farming and food production in Britain must be take place in public, not behind closed doors."
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