Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118000

Adenike Bitto, MD, DrPH, MPH, CHES, ESU, P.O. Box 155, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, (570)422-3375, abitto@po-box.esu.edu and Jacquelyn A. Hakim, MS, MPH, Director, Monroe County Vector Control, 38 North 7th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

This paper will present findings from a multi-year dead deer disposal initiative in a rural local health agency. In a predominantly tourist-driven economy, dead deer disposal would initially appear as an esthetic management technique. However, local experience has demonstrated people's inclination to eat carcasses that are no longer fit for human consumption. Methodology used includes a review of notification calls to the relevant county agency by concerned citizens, leading to prompt removal of deer carcasses from roadways and other locations. Deer lying in the road attract other scavenger animals and predators thus, creating the potential for further accidents and animal deaths. Additional concerns include public health nuisance created by odor from decomposition of dead deer or vectors and transmission of disease, possibly including prion-Chronic Wasting disease. Despite the fact that there is no confirmed association between chronic wasting disease in deer and human infection, it behooves public health jurisdictions to use precautionary practices that protect local communities. Results will include data on local sites where deer carcasses were observed following deer-vehicular accidents, providing an opportunity for targeted prevention activities, including deer warning signs and other measures aimed at deer population control. Data and scenic photographs from the Poconos and vignettes will be presented. Other issues with disposal of dead deer include the possibility of eventual percolation from landfills into sewer system, appropriate and safe handling of dead deer, carrying weight, proper laundering of clothing after contact with dead deer, and ergonomic considerations for deer disposal staff.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Articulate the public health problems associated with dead deer in our communities.
• Create a feasible deer disposable program for rural and peri-urban communities.
• Participants will discuss relevant health education techniques for involving the community with safe deer disposal.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Underserved Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.