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Euthanasia
Summary
Guidance on the euthanasia of animals used in research.
Full Description
Euthanasia
All methods of euthanasia must be described in the IACUC protocol and approved.
PHS Policy requires that methods of euthanasia be consistent with the recommendations of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia unless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator. The most current guidance document for review of these methods is the AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition
Principal Investigators are responsible for: preparing and submitting IACUC applications; making modifications in applications in order secure IACUC approval; ensuring adherence to approved protocols; ensuring humane care and use of animals; ensuring that all personnel have completed required training; and reporting any adverse events to the IACUC.
The W&M Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are responsible for overseeing policy implementation and ensuring compliance with this policy.
Emergency Procedures
To learn about emergency euthanasia procedures, please see the following document that outlines the steps that must be taken prior to euthanizing a research animal.