Euthanasia

Question 1

What is the perfect euthanasia?

Answer 1

Avoids any pain, suffering, or distress in the animal culled and other animals. Safe and easy to use, and doesn’t interfere with project aims

Question 2

What legislation covers euthanasia?

Answer 2

1. Directive 2010/63/EU (Annex IV) - methods
2. SI 543 of 2012
3. Animals Act 1986, regulated by section 15A - English

Question 3

What does SI 543 of 2012 cover?

Answer 3

No killing of animals unless you have a killing authorization granted by the IMB (regulation 51(3))

Question 4

What is a killing authorization?

Answer 4

1. Must be fully competent
2. Have individual authorization before training which specifies animals and techniques that may be used
   Regulation 51 (3) requires it

Question 5

What are the exceptions to the killing authorization requirement (Reg 51(4))?

Answer 5

1. Killing an animal in emergency circumstances
2. Euthanasia by vets of animals under their care
3. Killing by an authorized officer

Question 6

What is operator confidence?

Answer 6

When fully familiar w/ all equipment used, has a back-up plan if something goes wrong, experienced in handling, capable of confirming death has occurred and confident before doing it alone.

Question 7

How do you minimize fear and distress?

Answer 7

Appropriate location
Minimize handling and restrain
Use clean area, no traces of previous killings
Away from other animals

Question 8

What factors contribute to choice of method?

Answer 8

Appropriate for species, bodyweight, stage of development, compatible with experiment and safe for staff

Question 9

What are the chemical methods of euthanasia?

Answer 9

1. Anesthetic overdose
2. CO2 gradual fill (not foetuses, neonates, fish, large mammals)
3. Other inert gases (argon, nitrogen = birds, rodents, pigs)

Question 10

What are physical methods of euthanasia?

Answer 10

1. Captive bolt - rabbits, big mammals, reptiles
2. Cervical dislocation - birds, rodents, rabbits
3. Concussion - fish and amphibians but weight limit
4. Decapitation - birds and rodents
5. Electrical stunning
6. Shooting with free bullet

Question 11

How is inhalation anesthetic used for euthanasia?

Answer 11

Suitable for small rodents (X rabbits), using halothane/isoflurane (X chloroform/ether), and a vaporizing unit w/ gas scavenging

Question 12

How are injectable anesthetics used for euthanasia?

Answer 12

Usually barbiturate E.g. pentobarbital sodium
IV/IP (IP = dilute)
Fast, safe, and effective

Question 13

How are immersion anesthetic used?

Answer 13

For fish - MS-222, etomidate, metomidate (less aversive but expensive)

Question 14

How is CO2 euthanasia used?

Answer 14

Rodents and birds up to 1.5kg, done in chamber w/ viewing panel and limited animals. Flow rate of 20% chamber volume/minute

Question 15

How is cervical dislocation used?

Answer 15

Birds, rodents, rabbits <1kg (Sedate birds >250g, rodents >150g).
Confirm dislcation and death immediately

Question 16

How is decapitation used?

Answer 16

EU: Birds under 250g, rodents if other methods unsuitable
UK: fetal, larval, embryonic mammals/birds <50g

Question 17

How is decapitation by guillotine used?

Answer 17

Out of earshot of animals

Question 18

How is death confirmed?

Answer 18

1. Permanent cessation of circulation
2. Destruction of brain
3. Dislocation of neck
4. Exsanguination
5. Rigor mortis
6. UK - destruction in macerator