Carcass Removal Safety

Sometimes in wildlife damage management you have to perform a necropsy in order to identify how an animal has died or remove a dead animal carcass. Necropsies are necessary in order to rule out natural causes and to positively identify the likelihood of predation. Carcass removals must be done due to reduce odor or reduce unsanitary conditions. But as can be expected necropsies and carcass removal involve risk. You have to protect yourself from possibility that this animal died from some sort of zoonotic infection. Here are some tips or strategies to protect yourself while

you’re performing the necropsy or carcass removal.

Key Steps

1. Be aware that you are at risk. Handling dead animals exposes you to the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that were resident in the animals.

2. Safety equipment only works if you wear it. Sounds silly but how often have you stuck your head up in to an attic without protecting yourself because it was just for a “second”? Wear your equipment before you begin handling the animal!!!

3. Collect the appropriate equipment. Equipment you need to include not limited to:

• large contractor style trash bags(3 mm thick),
• scalpels,
• headlamp,
• note pad and pen
• shovel,
• camera, for documentation
• Personal Protection Equipment:
  • protective eye goggles,
  • properly sized surgical gloves (multiple sets),
  • Tyvek suite,
  • rubber boots,
  • duct tape to seal any gaps
  • insect repellent,
  • waterless hand sanitizer and wipes, and
  • N95 respirator (minimum). Cleaning supplies will be necessary if your mask is not disposable.

Before wearing your respirator, get fit tested and medically cleared. Respirators reduce air flow. Individuals who have trouble breathing may suffer respiratory distress while wearing a respirator. You also must have a written Respiratory Protection Plan. To see what is involved visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716  If you want to read something in English rather than Governmentese then visit http://www.ehso.com/respprotection02.htm.

Bottom Line

Food for thought. Understand that the information here is a suggested minimum standard. Ultimately, the level of protection you need is dependent on a lot of variables that haven’t been accounted for here. It is possible that you need less protection in certain circumstances. However, you also may need more protection. The key is to err on the side of caution.

Always monitor your health in the weeks following necropsy work. Zoonotic infections mimic the symptoms of the Flu. Always tell your physician that you work with wildlife and may have been exposed to zoonotic diseases. Doing so could save your life.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.