Lesson 14: Euthanasia

Question 1

Numerous species of fish have been found to have brain activity even in a profoundly anoxic (oxygen lacking) state. What does the AVMA and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) recommend?

Answer 1

A 2-step process of euthanasia to physically destroy the brain, by pithing, crushing, or freezing whenever a physical method of euthanasia is used, such as decapitation or blunt force trauma to the head.

Question 2

Fish euthanasia four major guidance documents available in the US?

Answer 2

1) The Federal Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture Guide to Drug, Vaccine, and Pesticide Use in Aquaculture; 2) American Fisheries Society Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Research; 3) AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals; and 4) American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Guidelines for Euthanasia of Nondomestic Animals.