Euthanasia Theory EU Module 6.1 Damian Flashcards
What is euthanasia?
Humane killing with the minimum of
pain, fear or distress
What are some reasons for Euthanasia?
Collection of blood, tissues or organs for in vitro
studies
Humane reasons, e.g. ongoing adverse effects
during in vivo study
Excessive pain, suffering or distress during study
End of in vivo study
Health / welfare issues not associated with study
Killing sentinel animals, for health monitoring
Culling of excess or aged stock
What does perfect euthanasia require?
Avoids completely any pain, suffering or
distress in the animal being euthanised
If p/s/d can’t be avoided, minimise it
Does not induce fear or distress in other
animals
Is easy to use and safe for the operator
Does not interfere with the aims of the
research project
Where can legislation on Euthanasia in Europe be found?
Directive 2010/63/EU
Methods are detailed in Annex IV
Where can legislation on Euthanasia in Ireland be found?
SI 543 of 2012
Refers to Annex IV of Directive 2012/63/EU
Where can legislation on Euthanasia in the UK be found?
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act
1986 (as amended)
Regulated by Section 15A
Methods are detailed in Schedule 1
Is killing considered a procedure under SI 543 of 2012?
Procedure” “excludes the killing of animals
solely for the use of their organs or tissues”
What are the exceptions to having a killing authorisation?
Exceptions (Reg. 51(4))
killing an animal in emergency
circumstances for animal welfare, public
health, public security, animal health or
environmental reasons,
euthanasia by veterinarians of animals
under their care, and
killing by an authorised officer - hpra inspector if they are competent
What is required to get a killing authorisation?
Operator must be competent
Individual Authorisation (IA) required
Operator must hold an IA before
commencing training on live animals
Authorisation specifies class(es) of
animal and technique(s) that may be
used
Is an IA required to practice on dead animals?
No IA required to practice on cadavers
IA is required for learning on live animals
How can you minimise fear and distress?
Appropriate location
Animal’s home environment ?
Minimise handling and restraint, or
restrain gently if necessary
Use a clean area
Free from traces of previous killings
Away from other animals
Out of sight, sound and smell
What should you consider when picking the method?
Appropriate for species, bodyweight, and
stage of development of animal
Painless and stress free
Annex IV method
Within the competence of the user
…and on his/her Individual Authorisation
Compatible with experimental objectives
Safe for all staff
What types of methods are there?
Chemical / Pharmaceutical
Physical / Mechanical
Not all methods are suitable for all
classes or species
Even within species, restrictions may
apply
E.g. Adults versus neonates or foetuses;
maximum / minimum weight limits, etc.
What are the chemical/pharmaceutical methods?
Anaesthetic overdose (injection /
inhalation / immersion)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) - Gradual fill only
Other inert gases (Argon, Nitrogen)
Can CO2 be used for Foetuses or neonates?
No as they are exposed to it in the womb
What are the Physical methods of Euthanasia?
Captive bolt
Cervical dislocation
Concussion
Decapitation - Birds & rodents
Electrical stunning
Shooting with a free bullet
What inhalation anaesthetics are used?
Halothane or isoflurane NOT chloroform or
ether
What injectable anaesthetics are used?
Usually barbiturate (e.g. pentobarbital
sodium). Dosage varies by product and route Intravenous (i/v) or intraperitoneal (i/p).
What is immersion anaesthetic used for?
Used for fish, MS-222 is commonly used
Etomidate / metomidate may be less
aversive, but it is more expensive
What is the flow rate required for CO2 anaesthesia / asphyxia.
Flow rate of 20% chamber volume/minute until anaesthesia is achieved
What is CO2 anaesthesia / asphyxia suitable for?
Suitable for rodents and birds up to 1.5kg
Not suitable for rabbits, diving animals, foetuses or
neonates
What should the chamber have for CO2 anaesthesia / asphyxia?
hamber should have transparent viewing panel
Limit the number of animals to ensure exposure
Empty out residual gas and clean container
thoroughly when finished
What is inhalation anaesthetic suitable for?
Suitable for small rodents – NOT rabbits
What is anaesthetic overdose suitable for?
All species. May require prior sedation
what are the inert gases suitable for?
Birds, rodents & pigs
What is captive bolt suitable for?
Rabbits, large mammals & large reptiles
What is cervical dislocation suitable for?
Birds, rodents & rabbits <1kg. Sedate birds >250g; sedate rodents & rabbits
>150g. Not fish or amphibians. Must confirm dislocation and death immediately
What is concussion suitable for?
Suitable for rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles,
fish and amphibians
EU & IE - birds & rabbits <5kg; rodents <1kg
UK – birds <250g; rodents & rabbits <1kg;
Must be followed by immediate cervical
dislocation or exsanguination and
confirmation of death
What is decapitation suitable for?
Birds under 250g & rodents but only if no other method suitable.
Different in UK - only foetal, larval & embryonic
forms of mammals / birds <50g
Guillotine preferable – small animals
should be restrained in polythene sleeve
Scissors is less effective – must ensure
sharpness and adequate blade length
How can death be confirmed?
confirmation of permanent cessation of
the circulation;
destruction of the brain;
dislocation of the neck;
exsanguination; or
confirmation of the onset of rigor mortis
What extra method for confirmation of death can be used in the UK?
instantaneous destruction of the body
in a macerator
Where can methods for confirmation of death be found?
Annex IV of Dir. 2010/63/EC
