Turning crisis into compost: WSDA’s David Hecimovich is fighting avian influenza in California
WSDA would like to take a moment to honor one of our employees.
David Hecimovich, with the WSDA Animal Services Division, is a certified composting subject matter expert (SME).
He is currently deployed to California (on his personal time) to address one of agriculture's most pressing challenges: composting on farms affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
With 56 active poultry farms in California (as of 12-19-2024) navigating the HPAI clean-up process, David is on the front lines, transforming infected materials into nutrient-rich compost while ensuring biosecurity and environmental sustainability. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has called a State of Emergecy in response to the HPAI outbreaks on dairy and poultry farms.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals" as posted on the CDFA's website.
The role of a composting SME
Under the USDA’s incident command structure, David operates within the disposal branch of the operations division alongside a dedicated team of composting experts. His current assignment includes developing composting plans for three turkey farms. These plans involve ordering compost materials, constructing windrows, and meticulously monitoring the composting process to ensure the inactivation of the HPAI virus.
Windrows are elongated piles of organic material designed for composting. They play a central role in the process. Once constructed, these windrows must reach temperatures sufficient to inactivate the virus.
The process spans two 14-day cycles, with the windrows being turned after the first cycle to initiate a second round of heat treatment.
Responding to HPAI outbreaks
HPAI is a highly contagious disease that causes significant poultry mortalities. When an outbreak occurs, state veterinarians and the USDA swiftly implement quarantine measures to halt the spread of the virus. Remaining infected birds are humanely euthanized using American Veterinary Medical Association-approved protocols.
To rehabilitate affected farms as quickly as possible, federal protocols mandate thorough cleaning and disinfection. Composting has emerged as an effective and sustainable alternative to landfill disposal. This method not only eliminates the virus, but also converts waste into a valuable soil amendment, benefiting both the environment and the agricultural economy.
The science of composting on farms
Composting can be conducted either inside poultry barns or outdoors. The process begins with constructing windrows, which are then sealed with clean wood shavings or beauty bark—a material often used in flower beds. This “cap” serves multiple purposes: it allows airflow, supports microbial activity, protects the pile from weather, and acts as a biofilter to minimize odors. Properly managed windrows emit a pleasant, earthy aroma akin to fresh bark mulch.
Rain or shine, composting operations continue. A typical day for a composting SME involves extensive physical activity, with daily step counts ranging from 15,000 to 24,000! That's a lot of time being on your feet! Tasks include temperature monitoring, windrow construction, and collaboration with equipment operators. These efforts ensure the composting process runs smoothly and effectively.
Turning challenges into opportunities
For David, the most rewarding aspect of his role is the ability to turn a crisis into an opportunity. By composting infected materials, he not only helps inactivate the HPAI virus but also produces a valuable soil amendment.
This nutrient-rich compost can be applied to farmland or sold to other farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on landfills.
David’s work exemplifies the critical role composting plays in modern agriculture, particularly in the face of challenges like HPAI.
His efforts highlight the importance of sustainable waste management practices that protect both public health and the environment. By transforming waste into a resource, composting SMEs like David are paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural industry.
By stepping up during this crisis, he not only demonstrates his passion for his work but also underscores the vital role state departments of agriculture play in protecting animal and human health against zoonotic diseases.