Safe to use dirt with a dead possum in it?

Question

So I just bought some bagged topsoil and a week in I'm covering my compost with it and I discover what looks like the hide and fur of a possum or racoon. I shoveled it out and there's no wet anything or visible particles of anything in the soil like bones except like two that were still attached to the hide. I mean it looks completely decomposed. Minus the hide I would have no idea that there was anything wrong with the soil.

Get rid of the soil? Keep it? Wait a few months? Safe to compost animals in general? I know people bury fish with some plants but mammals might be another story. Advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

My wife is a microbiologist who works at a veterinary laboratory and strongly suggests that you remove the hide and bones from the soil and bury them in a spot never to be used for edibles. She also strongly recommends not using the soil in your compost or anywhere near edible vegetables or herbs because of the possibility of pathogens - this is especially important if you're growing root vegetables because those could be a means of transmission into you for any pathogens left in the soil by the remains.

Answer 2

I personally wouldn’t because dead animals have bacteria and germs that are probably not safe for human consumption if you’re planting veggies fruit and herbs in it.

However according to Cornell university and South Dakota state university it is safe and humane to compost animal carcasses If done properly.

composting road kill by Cornell Waste Management 2007

5 Easy Steps for Composting Dead Livestock (AS1781 Dec. 2015)

Answer 3

I would just bury that in a spot where it can decay without being disturbed by normal gardening tasks. 2 feet down is a depth most people won't be digging again too often.

While possums can carry some nasty diseases I would not worry too much after having it buried. The soil community has a lot of competition and creatures that will make any potential nasties have a challenge on their hands. Plus, you just have to know that there are all sorts of other microbes in the soil that can do nasty things too yet it is not common to have problems from them unless you get a puncture wound and don't get it cleaned out properly.

The UV light from the sun and Oxygen both act as pretty good destroyers of many microbes. If you are really, really worried about germs then for sure do not get into reading about microbiology. :) We live in a stew of life - luckily most of it is benign (otherwise we would not be here).