Bacterial Pathogen Fate in Slaughterhouse-Residual Biopiles.

Animal and associated wastes are potential reservoirs of pathogenic micro-organisms capable of infecting humans. However, animal mortality and waste management are inevitable yet often forgotten aspects of agricultural production, providing a direct threat to the health and safety of Canadian citizens. The emergence of bovine and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (e.g. BSE, ‘Mad Cow Disease’), the recent 2007 CFIA regulations regarding animal waste disposal and examples of bacterial contamination of Canadian drinking water supplies (e.g. Walkerton, ON), have fuelled public concerns regarding animal waste disposal and associated pathogens. A rapid, cost effective and safe disposal method is therefore necessary to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The intent of this research is to utilize managed biopiles as an alternative, efficient and convenient method to deal with the disposal of waste material from slaughterhouse facilities. The persistence and transport of bacterial pathogens, and chemical and physical characteristics, are areas of focus intended for field and laboratory based trials. This study may incorporate prion-related fate, which is an emerging area of research associated with BSE, and particularly important for the health of our aging population. As safety concerns surrounding the Canadian food supply escalate, this research will directly benefit Canadian citizens and policy, and be effective, influential and novel in the development of future management strategies for dealing with these waste materials to protect human health. The resulting decision support system will provide assurance to slaughterhouse operators, governmental regulators and the public that regulations and methods are being properly implemented in a safe manner, especially in a North-Eastern American context. Moreover, the proposed methodology is a safe, cost-effective, on-farm application requiring minimal management. Initial results will be highlighted.