The manure of sick animals may be infected with the causal agent of the sickness. If the source of the sickness is a microorganism such as Salmonella or Cryptosporidium, or some other pathogenic microorganism effective composting the manure would likely kill the pathogens. Composting is effective when the compost pile reaches and maintains for a few days temperatures between 150 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Information on proper composting procedures for manure can be found on the world-wide-web and search engines such as Google, agricultural extension professionals, and local libraries. Considering that the protozoan pathogen Cryptosporidium can survive in the field for several months and survival of other manure pathogens is still not well known, caution must be used when applying fresh manure to pastures.

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