How does incineration play a role in preventing disease transmission on swine farms? A Q&A with Graham Crown, AGRI Incineration Systems Limited
Question: How does incineration play a role in preventing disease transmission on swine farms?
Answer: Incineration plays a significant role in preventing disease transmission on swine farms by ensuring the safe disposal of potentially infected animal waste, carcasses, and other contaminated materials.
- Destruction of Pathogens – Incineration effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could otherwise survive in animal carcasses, bedding, and other waste. This is especially important in the case of highly contagious diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), where even small amounts of contaminated material can lead to the spread of infection.
- Elimination of Biosecurity Risks – By incinerating infected materials, farms reduce the risk of disease transmission via external vectors such as trucks, equipment, and workers. When waste or carcasses are properly disposed of through incineration, there is less chance that infectious material could be transferred to other parts of the farm or to other farms.
- Efficient and Controlled Disposal – Using an AIS Incinerator provides a controlled method of waste disposal, ensuring that all infectious material is completely reduced to ash. Unlike composting, which may allow pathogens to persist, incineration ensures that no harmful organisms remain to cause further outbreaks.
- Reduced Environmental Contamination – In some cases, burying or composting can lead to groundwater contamination or the spread of pathogens through soil or air. Incineration eliminates this risk by transforming the waste into ash, which can be safely disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Question: What are the biggest misconceptions swine producers have about incineration?
Answer: Swine producers may have several misconceptions about incineration because of outdated perceptions about the technology. Some of the biggest misconceptions we are working to change in the market include:
- Incineration is Too Expensive – Many producers believe incineration is prohibitively expensive. However, owning an AIS Cyclone Incinerator can actually save money in the long run by reducing the risk of disease outbreaks, preventing costly culling of infected animals, and protecting the farm’s reputation. The economic benefits of preventing a major disease outbreak far outweigh the initial investment.
- Incineration is Ineffective in Killing Pathogens – Some believe incineration doesn’t fully eliminate pathogens. In reality, properly operated incinerators reach temperatures over 1200°F, which is sufficient to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
- Incineration Requires Too Much Time or Labor – Modern incinerators like the AIS Cyclone models are designed to be efficient, with automated systems that require minimal manual labor. The process is also significantly faster and more thorough than composting.
- Incineration Isn’t Necessary If Other Methods Are Used – Some assume composting or burial methods are equally effective, but composting doesn’t always reach temperatures necessary to eliminate highly infectious diseases. Incineration ensures complete destruction of pathogens and significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.
- Incinerators Are Difficult to Operate – Some believe incinerators require specialized skills to operate. Our AIS Cyclone incinerators are user-friendly, with intuitive controls and built-in safety systems. Training farm employees to use them is straightforward.
- Incineration Will Only Be Needed in Case of Outbreaks – Many producers think incineration should only be used during disease outbreaks. However, incorporating incineration into daily farm operations can prevent outbreaks before they start.
- Incinerators Require Frequent Maintenance – Some believe incinerators frequently break down. AIS Cyclone Incinerators are built with a durable concrete-lined main chamber, which withstands extreme temperatures better than traditional brick-lined systems. This means reduced maintenance, lower energy consumption, and a longer lifespan.
Question: Can you walk us through the process of using an incinerator on a daily basis?
Answer: Using an incinerator as part of daily farm operations is a straightforward process that enhances farm biosecurity.
- Prepare the Incinerator – Inspect the system, check fuel levels, and ensure the chamber is accessible.
- Start Up the Incinerator – Activate the system, allowing it to reach the required secondary chamber temperature (typically above 1562°F).
- Load Waste Safely – Using an AIS Cyclone Incinerator, waste can be loaded continuously throughout the burn cycle.
- Monitor the Burn – Ensure that the system is operating at optimal conditions for complete pathogen destruction.
- Final Inspection – Once waste is fully incinerated, check for any residual material and confirm complete combustion.
- Ash Disposal and System Cool Down – Safely remove ash, clean the exhaust system and filters, and prepare for the next cycle.
- Routine Maintenance – Perform regular component checks and schedule professional servicing to maintain efficiency.
By following these steps, swine producers can ensure the safe and efficient operation of their incinerators, helping prevent disease transmission and maintain biosecurity on the farm.
Question: What biosecurity risks do farms face if they rely solely on composting or burial methods?
Answer: Relying solely on composting or burial methods for waste disposal can present serious biosecurity risks, particularly in terms of disease transmission and environmental contamination.
- Incomplete Pathogen Destruction – Composting may not always reach the high temperatures necessary to fully kill pathogens, especially in large carcasses or waste contaminated with highly infectious diseases.
- Cross-Contamination of Surrounding Areas – Compost piles can attract pests such as rodents, flies, and scavengers, which can carry pathogens to other parts of the farm.
- Attracting Scavengers – Wildlife, birds, or domestic animals may disturb compost piles, potentially spreading pathogens further.
- Poor Biosecurity and Cross-Species Contamination – Improperly managed compost or burial sites can spread diseases between animals and nearby farms.
- Longer Disease Persistence – Composting does not guarantee pathogen elimination, meaning diseases can linger in the environment for extended periods.
While composting may work for certain waste types, it lacks the reliability of incineration in fully eliminating pathogens.
Question: How can swine farms integrate incineration into a broader biosecurity plan?
Answer: Incineration should be a core part of a farm’s biosecurity strategy, working alongside other preventive measures to protect herd health.
- Routine Waste Disposal – Use incineration for daily disposal of carcasses, contaminated bedding, and waste materials to prevent the accumulation of potentially infectious materials.
- Immediate Carcass Disposal – In the event of a disease outbreak (e.g., ASF, PEDv, or PRRS), incineration allows for the rapid disposal of infected animals, minimizing the spread of pathogens.
- Dedicated Biosecurity Zones – Establish a specific incineration area away from animal housing, feed storage, and other high-risk zones to prevent contamination.
- Employee Training & Protocols – Train farm staff on the importance of biosecurity and how to use incineration effectively, including safe handling of infected waste.
- Ongoing Monitoring & Risk Assessment – Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of incineration in preventing disease spread and adjust biosecurity protocols as needed.
Final Thoughts
Answer: Incineration is one of the most reliable and effective methods for disease prevention and waste disposal on swine farms. By incorporating incineration into daily biosecurity protocols, swine producers can significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, improve herd health, and protect their operations from financial and reputational losses. AIS Cyclone Incinerators provide an efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for farms looking to enhance their biosecurity measures.
