What to Do Immediately When Livestock Dies on Your Farm

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Finding a deceased animal on your property is never easy. Whether it was a beloved horse or a production steer, the first moments after discovery can feel overwhelming. Take a breath, get your bearings, and work through the situation methodically. There are important steps to take — and a clear order to take them in.

Note the Time and Circumstances of Death

As soon as you discover the animal, write down the approximate time you found it and any observable circumstances: Was it in a pasture, a stall, near a water source? Were there any signs of illness in the days prior? Did other animals appear distressed? This information serves two purposes: it helps your veterinarian or state veterinary authorities assess whether disease was involved, and it documents the timeline for insurance purposes.

Take a few photographs from a distance — not for any morbid reason, but because your insurance company may request them when you file a mortality claim.

Contact Your Veterinarian If Disease Is Suspected

If the death appeared sudden and unexpected, or if the animal showed signs of illness — neurological symptoms, respiratory distress, unusual behavior, diarrhea — contact your veterinarian before doing anything else. Some livestock diseases are reportable conditions under Illinois and Wisconsin state law, meaning they must be reported to state animal health authorities.

Your vet can help determine whether a necropsy (animal autopsy) is warranted and whether any quarantine measures are needed to protect the rest of your herd. Do not move the animal until you have this guidance if disease is suspected.

If the death was clearly due to an accident, old age, or a known health condition already under treatment, you can proceed without involving your vet — though noting the cause of death is still important for your records.

Call a Licensed Removal Service Promptly

Once you have assessed the situation, call a licensed dead animal disposal hauler right away. In Illinois, state law requires that deceased livestock be removed promptly — delays create health hazards for other animals and can attract scavengers and insects. In Wisconsin, the requirements are even more specific: carcasses on roadways must be removed within 24 hours, and on-farm disposal must be addressed within 24–48 hours depending on the method.

When you call, provide the following information:

• Your location (address and any access instructions)
• The type and approximate weight of the animal
• Whether illness or euthanasia drugs may be involved
• Any access limitations (locked gates, soft terrain, narrow lanes)
• Whether you wish to pursue cremation or rendering

Brier Hill Livestock Removal is available 24/7 and is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) to handle dead animal transport and disposal across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Keep Access Clear for Removal Equipment

Livestock removal trucks and trailers require clear, firm access to reach the animal. Before the removal team arrives, open any gates along the route, move other equipment or vehicles that may block the path, and keep other animals penned away from the area. If the ground is soft from rain or snow, let the removal service know — they may need to bring additional equipment or plan their approach differently.

Keep Other Animals Away

Other livestock should be kept away from the deceased animal for their own safety. Carcasses can harbor pathogens, attract predators, and cause distress in herd animals. Move your other animals to a different pasture or pen until the removal is complete and the area has been cleaned.

Document for Insurance

If you carry livestock mortality insurance, contact your agent within 24–48 hours of discovery. Most policies require prompt notification as a condition of coverage. You'll typically need:

• Documentation of the animal's value (purchase records, appraisals)
• Photos of the animal and the location
• A veterinary certificate of death if your vet was involved
• A receipt from the licensed removal service

A reputable removal company will provide you with documentation of the pickup, which you can submit with your claim.

Illinois and Wisconsin Legal Time Requirements

Both Illinois and Wisconsin have laws governing how quickly deceased farm animals must be disposed of — and how they must be disposed of. In Illinois, the Dead Animal Disposal Act requires that carcasses be handled by licensed haulers and that disposal occur promptly. Allowing a carcass to remain on your property without taking action is a violation that can result in fines.

In Wisconsin, state regulations under ATCP 10 require that carcasses be disposed of within 24 hours if on a roadway and within 36–48 hours for on-farm situations, depending on the disposal method. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) enforces these rules and can issue citations for non-compliance.

Using a licensed hauler like Brier Hill protects you from legal liability and ensures that all disposal is handled in accordance with state law.

What Not to Do: Avoid Burying Near Water

One of the most common mistakes farmers make is attempting to bury the animal themselves — quickly and without much planning. While burial is a legal disposal method in some situations, there are strict setback requirements. In Illinois, carcasses must be buried at least 150 feet from any stream, drainage ditch, or body of water, and at least 300 feet from any well or groundwater source. The burial must be deep enough to prevent scavengers from accessing the remains.

Burying near water can contaminate groundwater and surface water, creating environmental violations on top of agricultural ones. If you plan to bury, consult with your county extension office or state authorities first — or simply call a licensed removal service and let them handle disposal through compliant channels.

The Bottom Line

Acting quickly, contacting a licensed removal service, and documenting the event properly protects your herd, your property, and your legal standing. Brier Hill Livestock Removal is here to take the burden off your shoulders. Call us any time at (815) 543-1891 and we'll respond promptly with the care and professionalism your farm deserves.