Methods for the disposal of poultry carcasses currently include burial, incineration, composting, and rendering. Although each method is preferable under specific circumstances, each also presents disadvantages, including potential effects on groundwater and increasing cost considerations.

The reported number of bird deaths and subsequent human deaths resulting from exposure to influenza A-infected birds has increased steadily, making front-page news worldwide. Although human viruses do not generally infect birds and bird viruses do not generally infect humans, certain influenza A viruses have historically exhibited an unusual ability to mutate and infect more than one host species.