They would also be highly effective in destroying the virus and carcasses and can cope with large numbers. Air pollution levels would be similar to buring but can be reduced by filters and enforcing industry regulations. The toxic ash must also be disposed of after burning and FoE campaigner Adrian Bebb said incinerators create their own cycle of waste. The EA has identified 37 suitable UK sites with the appropriate level of environmental protection and control for animal carcass disposal. FoE favours landfill over burial and burning if the sites are engineered to minimise the risk to groundwater and the wider environment.
Landfills have the potential to pose a long-term threat to water supplies.
There is a low risk of transmitting the virus to other livestock. But government data shows that carcass burning is releasing large amounts of dioxins - highly toxic compounds. The World Health Organisation has linked dioxins with falling sperm counts, genital malformations and learning difficulties. Supervision is also required to ensure combustion is complete. The NSCA said other fuel types could be investigated.