Animals continue to grow and move through livestock production systems despite packing plant closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations pertain to livestock farmers who may be forced to euthanize livestock to avoid exposing their animals and workers to unsafe conditions.
- Humane animal handling and euthanasia practices should always be a priority. Contact your herd veterinarian for guidance on accepted euthanasia methods.
- Options for carcass disposal in Nebraska: rendering, composting, traditional burial, above-ground burial (temporary order allowing this method) incineration, and landfilling. Contact your Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Field Inspector if you plan to dispose of animals on-farm.
- Financial and technical assistance for COVID-19 related carcass disposal is available through the USDA Emergency Animal Mortality Management Initiative. Contact the USDA Service Center in your county. Completion of NRCS Form 1200 and an approved early start waiver are required before euthanizing any animals for potential USDA financial assistance.
Emergency Depopulation of Livestock Facilities
During COVID-19
Swine COVID-19 Response Materials
Management Approaches to Slow Pig Growth
- Approaches to Reducing Feed Intake and Growth Rate in Market Hogs during Interruption of Animal Movement
- Ongoing Research Project Assessing the Effectiveness of Different Diets to Reduce Market Hog Growth
- Nutritional Strategies to Managing Pork Market Disruptions
- Economic Considerations for Reducing Growth Rates and Feed Intake In Finishing Pigs
- What to do if your pork packing plant is closed
Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy COVID-19 Animal Disposal Guides (Current April 30, 2020)
- Attachment 1 – Trench Size Worksheet for Pre-selecting Livestock Disposal Sites (PDF)
- Attachment 2 – Disposal Checklist: Onsite Burial (PDF)
- Cattle and Swine Burial Calculator (.xlsx)
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture Livestock Burial Guidelines (PDF)
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture Livestock Transportation Guidelines (PDF)
- Emergency Disposal of Animal Carcasses Associated with a NonDisease-Related Mass Mortality Event
- MSW 2019 (PDF)
Euthanasia Guidance
- On-farm Euthanasia of Swine (PDF, English)
- On-farm Euthanasia of Swine (PDF, Spanish)
- AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition (PDF)
- AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals: 2019 Edition (PDF)
- Recommendations for the Depopulation of Swine
American Association of Swine Veterinarians
Carcass Disposal Guidance
National Pork Board Resources
Nebraska Swine Producers
Rural and Mental Health
- The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258
- Rural Wellness Resources
- Mental Health Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Additional Resources
- Swine COVID-19 Response Materials
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Recommendations for the Depopulation of Swine
American Association of Swine Veterinarians - What You Need to Know About COVID-19
National Pork Board - Pork Industry COVID-19 Resources
National Pork Board - Tools for Pork Producers
National Pork Board