Getting rid of a dead animal on your road may seem burdensome, but the effects of ignoring it might be even worse.

Bradshaw Isaacs, environmental health specialist, said the stench from a decaying animal causes a general nuisance, but carrion has wider health implications.

"It is a public health nuisance, as it will harbour flies and crows. If a food outlet is near the scene, the flies that feed on the carcass will (contaminate) the food," Isaacs said.

Vomiting is often a symptom of nausea.

Isaacs, who works at Jamaica's Ministry of Health, noted as well that dead animals are also traffic hazards, causing accidents among swerving motorists.

Swift action

Swift action should be taken to have the animal removed. Residents should report the matter to the National Solid Waste Management Authority's (NSWMA) Operations Department.

However, if the animal's owner can be identified, he/she bears the responsibility to bury the remains. Dead animals should not be burnt as this can be dangerous to the environment.

Serious health concerns

But if the owner fails to remove the carrion, residents should bring the matter to the NSWMA's atten-tion, regardless of the type of animal.

A representative from the garbage collection agency's Community Relations Department informed The Gleaner that the NSWMA usually responds promptly to serious health concerns.

However, the unavailability of functional trucks has hampered the NSWMA, as even scheduled residential collection in some areas - including the nation's capital - has suffered severe delays.

"There are special vehicles that are used to take up dead animals and sometimes we might not have a truck readily available to the calls, but we do everything in our power to act as soon as possible," the representative said.

Email comments on theHow To, The Gleaner'snew advice feature, to columns@gleanerjm.com.

For more information, persons may call the office at 920-7939 or 960-4511 or toll free at 1-888-253-2652; or email nswma@nswma.gov.jm. Contact may also be made with Audrey McLean, director of operations, for questions and clarifications.