AVMA releases new euthanasia guidelines

The American Veterinary Medical Association has released new euthanasia guidelines, the first time since 2013.

Originally published in 1963, the AVMA “Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals” is now in its ninth edition. This year’s update includes the most current research as well as input from members “to provide veterinarians with science-based and practically sound guidance for relieving the suffering and pain of animals to be euthanized,” according to the announcement.

The guidelines are meant as a support tool for veterinarians, “who must then use their professional judgment in applying them to the various settings where animals are to be euthanized,” the AVMA said.

This year’s guidelines note several changes since the 2013 version:

• The difference between sedation and anesthesia is clarified.
• The conditions for using carbon dioxide with rodents in the laboratory have been updated.
• Euthanasia techniques appropriate for use with rabbits raised for meat are categorized and described.
• New species have been added to the “Animals Farmed for Food and Fiber” section, including American bison and deer.
• Guidance for treatment of bird embryos has been updated.

More broadly, the guidelines say, “methods, techniques, and agents of euthanasia have been updated and detailed descriptions have been included to assist veterinarians in applying their professional judgment. Species-specific sections have been expanded or added to include more guidance for terrestrial and aquatic species kept for a variety of purposes and under different conditions.”