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On Farm Biosecurity and Mortality Management

Reviewing your on-farm mortality management system and biosecurity practices ensure your farm is ready for emergencies.

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Updated:

October 16, 2025

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Compost pile. Photo Credit J. Craig Williams, Penn State Extension

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As we move into the end of the year and winter months, cattle and livestock mortality management should be addressed. Over the past year, many states have had to deal with food chain supply disruptions which have sometimes led to increased mortality numbers. In 2022, HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) challenges occurred across 47 states.

Both events have led farms to redevelop their on-farm mortality management system and review their biosecurity practices.

Each farm should have its farm plan for dealing with routine mortalities on a daily and weekly basis. Many universities, such as Penn State, Cornell University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Iowa, have great information on routine mortality management. It is recommended that a compost pile/windrow should have a mixture of woody carbon with the animal, and it is best to have 2 feet of carbon/mulch on the bottom and then cover the entire animal windrow with 1-2 feet of cover. The preferred location is 200 feet away from any water source. Refer to your home state for your composting specifics.

Many states have had renewed discussions on mass mortality responses this year due to COVID supply chain issues. In 2022, many states also had to respond to HPAI on poultry farms. The current 2022 HPAI outbreak has reached 47 states. There have been 287 commercial flocks and 388 backyard flocks affected. This 2022 outbreak has affected over 53 million birds across the country.

These large-scale responses have developed a renewed interest in on-farm biosecurity plans. All farms are encouraged to understand clean and dirty lines on your farm. As one processes thru a farm, persons should take extra precautions to have clean boots and equipment when approaching the youngest animal barns. Think about traffic flow and if one will cross manure paths to go to feed paths? The most vulnerable or youngest animals should be on the cleanest side of all operations and first on the day's schedule of chores.

It is never a waste of time to wash boots on the farm. Take the time to keep all animals and everyone safe on farm.