Euthanasia Flashcards
What is the perfect euthanasia?
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
What legislation covers euthanasia?
- Directive 2010/63/EU (Annex IV) - methods
- SI 543 of 2012
- Animals Act 1986, regulated by section 15A - English
What does SI 543 of 2012 cover?
No killing of animals unless you have a killing authorization granted by the IMB (regulation 51(3))
What is a killing authorization?
- Must be fully competent
- Have individual authorization before training which specifies animals and techniques that may be used
Regulation 51 (3) requires it
What are the exceptions to the killing authorization requirement (Reg 51(4))?
- Killing an animal in emergency circumstances
- Euthanasia by vets of animals under their care
- Killing by an authorized officer
What is operator confidence?
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.
How do you minimize fear and distress?
Appropriate location
Minimize handling and restrain
Use clean area, no traces of previous killings
Away from other animals
What factors contribute to choice of method?
Appropriate for species, bodyweight, stage of development, compatible with experiment and safe for staff
What are the chemical methods of euthanasia?
- Anesthetic overdose
- CO2 gradual fill (not foetuses, neonates, fish, large mammals)
- Other inert gases (argon, nitrogen = birds, rodents, pigs)
What are physical methods of euthanasia?
- Captive bolt - rabbits, big mammals, reptiles
- Cervical dislocation - birds, rodents, rabbits
- Concussion - fish and amphibians but weight limit
- Decapitation - birds and rodents
- Electrical stunning
- Shooting with free bullet
How is inhalation anesthetic used for euthanasia?
Suitable for small rodents (X rabbits), using halothane/isoflurane (X chloroform/ether), and a vaporizing unit w/ gas scavenging
How are injectable anesthetics used for euthanasia?
Usually barbiturate E.g. pentobarbital sodium
IV/IP (IP = dilute)
Fast, safe, and effective
How are immersion anesthetic used?
For fish - MS-222, etomidate, metomidate (less aversive but expensive)
How is CO2 euthanasia used?
Rodents and birds up to 1.5kg, done in chamber w/ viewing panel and limited animals. Flow rate of 20% chamber volume/minute
How is cervical dislocation used?
Birds, rodents, rabbits <1kg (Sedate birds >250g, rodents >150g).
Confirm dislcation and death immediately
