Tulare County issues emergency proclamation concerning cow carcasses

Tulare County has issued an emergency proclamation when it comes to the disposal of cow carcasses.

The problem has occurred as a growing number of cow carcasses have died due to the extremely hot temperatures that have hit the area in the last week.

“As a result of the sudden rise in animal mortality rates, it is anticipated that licensed rendering facilities within the Central Valley may lack the ability to accept and properly dispose of carcasses,” Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner Tom Tucker wrote in a letter on Thursday.

The county provided an emergency mortality disposal advisory designed to provide the best option available when it comes to disposing of carcasses. Tucker’s letter stated carcasses may be taken to a Tulare County Landfill if it meets the requirements.

Those who have animal losses who can’t take them to a rendering facility are asked to immediately call the Tulare County Ag Commissioner’s office. The Ag Commissioner’s office will then share the information provided by those with animal losses to Tulare County Landfills for the scheduling of carcass deliveries.

Even those who aren’t experiencing losses are asked to contact the Ag

Commissioner’s office so information if needed is provided as quickly as possible.

Fresno and Kings Counties have also issued emergency proclamations.

Baker Commodities in Kerman is the region’s only rendering plant and the plant is at capacity. One option is to possibly take carcasses to a Kettleman City landfill but they must be transported by an approved hauler.