Euthanasia/Death as an Endpoint
General Requirements
It is the IACUC's responsibility to assure that every effort has been made to ensure that death is as painless and distress-free as possible. Euthanasia techniques should result in rapid loss of consciousness followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and ultimately loss of brain function. The IACUC requires the selected method of euthanasia to be consistent with the recommendations of the 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia (JAVMA, 218(5): 669-696, 2001) unless scientifically justified.
CO2 Euthanasia
The IACUC expects the following recommendation to be followed when animals are euthanized using CO2.
“Compressed CO2 gas in cylinders is the only recommended source of carbon dioxide because the inflow to the chamber can be regulated precisely. Carbon dioxide generated by other methods such as from dry ice, fire extinguishers, or chemical means (eg. Antacids) is unacceptable. It is important to verify that an animal is dead before removing it from the chamber. If an animal is not dead, CO2 narcosis must be followed with another approved method of euthanasia.”
Cervical Dislocation
The IACUC expects the following recommendation to be followed when animals (small birds, mice, rats (< 200 g.) and rabbits (< 1 kg.)) are euthanized using cervical dislocation.
“Those responsible for the use of cervical dislocation must ensure that personnel performing this technique have been properly trained and consistently apply it humanely and effectively.”
Death as an Endpoint
Death as an endpoint in animal experiments must be appropriately justified by the investigator and approved by the IACUC. The justification must include the following:
- alternative endpoints that were considered and why death as an endpoint was selected
- if analgesics cannot be used, a justification for why they cannot be used whenever possible
The earliest endpoint of an experiment must be chosen, and the animal should be euthanized to avoid a prolonged or painful death if possible (see Institute for Laboratory Animal Research 41(2): , 2000).
