Actually, freezing probably won't kill off a lot of the encapsulated bacteria. It's one of the reasons that they encapsulate. Steam is the best thing for that. Steam is NOT, however, the best thing for fur/hair. Dehydration is certainly a good thing. If the tails are contaminated with urine or excrement, then washing well is in order. If the flesh is rotten, discarding might be the best plan.
Ed