Please note: These procedures may be revised as the situation develops.

TEMPERATURE MONITORING PROCEDURE

Monitor temperatures of the windrow daily at a minimum of 10 locations flagged by 

the Subject Matter Expert (SME). The temperature monitoring locations should be 

spaced equidistantly the length of each windrow. Take two temperature readings 

at each flagged location within a foot of the flag; one reading at a depth of 18 

inches and another reading at a depth of 36 inches. To ensure consistent 

temperature monitoring to the same depth, mark the thermometer probe at 18 

inches and 36 inches. Place the temperature probe 3⁄4 of the way up the windrow 

at a 45 degree angle. Ideally, temperatures should be monitored by a single 

individual for consistency. Temperature probes should be calibrated before first use

and weekly thereafter (see Calibration of Analog Thermometers Job Aid). 

Calibration dates can be recorded on the Composting Temperature Log, attached.

INSTRUCTIONS

 Turn on fans or open the doors and curtains to all the houses containing 

compost piles to allow them to air out and to maximize ventilation.

 USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM. Entering a barn with active compost or dead 

birds requires a two person team. 

 Place the stem of the thermometer approximately 18 inches and then 36 

inches into the compost pile half way up the pile at a 45 degree angle.

 Leave the thermometer at each depth and point for at least 60 seconds.

 Log the reading from the thermometer at each flag and at both depths.

 Compare readings to previous day’s readings. 

 After completing the house readings, close the doors and curtains.

 Calculate the average temperatures for each pile by averaging the 18-inch 

readings for all flags for that day then averaging the 36-inch readings for all 

flags for that day and noting the two averages on the Composting 

Temperature Log.

 Windrows should reach an average temperature of 131°F for a minimum of 72 consecutive hours at both 

the 18 inch and 36 inch depths or be assessed by a SME for possible corrective measures. 

 Disinfect the thermometer and return it to its protective case.

 Each thermometer will be kept at the respective premises being monitored. Do not take a thermometer 

from one premise to another.

 If by the third day after initial windrow construction, compost temperature averages remain below 100°F or 

greater than 160°F, a SME should be consulted immediately. 

 During Phase 2, a SME should be consulted immediately if any monitoring location is consistently (more 

than 3 consecutive days) below 100°F or greater than 160°F.

Example temperature 

monitoring locations

FY2016 HPAI Response

Mortality Composting:

Temperature Monitoring Protocol of Avian 

Influenza Infected Flocks

May 9, 2016
Calibration Week 1 (Name): ___________________________ Date: _______________ 

Calibration Week 2 (Name): ___________________________ Date: _______________ 

Calibration Week 3 (Name): ___________________________ Date: _______________

TEMPERATURE MONITORING LOG SHEET

COMPOSTING TEMPERATURE LOG

 County: Site Number:

Street address, city, state:

 Farm Name:

 House/Windrow Number: Date Started: Date Finished: Date Turned:

Use the cells below to record the temperatures each day, for 14 consecutive days, at 18 and 36 inches.

Date Depth Flag #1 Flag #2 Flag #3 Flag #4 Flag #5 Flag #6 Flag #7 Flag #8 Flag #9 Flag#10 Avg

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”

18”

36”