36-14-19. Disposition of carcass of animal dying from contagious or infectious
disease.
Any animal which is found dead must be presumed to have died from a contagious or
infectious disease until the contrary is shown unless another cause of death is apparent. The
owner or person in charge of any domestic animal or nontraditional livestock which dies within
this state from or on account of any contagious or infectious disease shall dispose of the
carcass of such animal as follows:
1. If the animal died of anthrax, as determined by a licensed veterinarian, the carcass
must be completely burned at the place where it died if possible. If the carcass must
be moved, it may not be dragged over the ground but must be moved only on a
suitable conveyor and all body openings in the carcass must be plugged with cotton
saturated with a strong antiseptic solution.
2. If the carcass is of a hog which died from hog cholera or swine erysipelas, the same,
with hide intact, must be burned within thirty-six hours or given to a licensed rendering
plant within such time.
3. If the carcass is of an animal which has died of a disease other than is specified in
subsections 1 and 2, or from any other cause, it must be burned, buried, composted,
or given to a licensed rendering plant within thirty-six hours, or must be disposed of by
a method approved by the state veterinarian. If the carcass is buried, it must be buried
not less than four feet [1.22 meters] below the surface of the ground and covered with
dirt to that depth. No carcass may be disposed of along any public highway or along
any stream, lake, or river nor be buried near or adjoining any such place.
