Changes to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals

The American Veterinary Medical Association has released the most current version of The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Although the document includes a large number of changes, the one we would like to bring to your attention for immediate implementation is the increase in the recommended CO2 flow rate for rodent euthanasia from 10-30% to 30-70% cage volume/min.

We encourage you to read the document in its entirety to gain better insights into the work and recommendations from the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia and to update your lab procedures to conform to these new requirements. Please consult with your veterinarians to clarify any questions you may have about this new update and to inform your research staff of this new recommendation.

Announcements

New Animal Care and Use Requirements for all UK Investigators

Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian

In response to the recent AAALAC accreditation site visit, OAV, DLAR and IACUC have made enhancements that are expected to yield improvements in animal welfare, training and reduce instances of noncompliance with regulations, policies and approved protocols.
Hart named University Attending Veterinarian

Cayuse Animal Oversight, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian

Michael W. Hart, DVM, MS, DACLAM, has been named Attending Veterinarian for the University of Kentucky. Hart previously served as Director of Animal Resources and University Veterinarian at Georgia State University.
IACUC Annual Protocols Requirement Change

Cayuse Animal Oversight, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian

With the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act and aligning with NIH/PHS Policy, the USDA is no longer requiring annual review of IACUC protocols. Principal investigators (PIs) will not submit information for annual review and approval in the Cayuse system.