The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has released the “AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition” as an update to the 2007 Guidelines on Euthanasia. This is the 8th edition (1963, 1972, 1978, 1986, 1993, 2000, 2007 and 2013) that the AVMA has published, and builds upon previous editions. An Executive Summary details substantive changes to the Guidelines.
As the adherence to these Guidelines is critical to the animal protocol review process, the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) has provided guidance, stating that OLAW “encourages PHS-Assured institutions to begin using the 2013 Guidelines when reviewing research projects as soon as possible, and expects full implementation after September 1, 2013. Previously approved projects undergoing continuing review according to PHS Policy, IV.C.5., which requires a complete de novo review at least once every 3 years, must be reviewed using the 2013 Guidelines after September 1, 2013.”
Please contact the Office of Animal Research Oversight if you have any questions about the updated Guidelines.