IACUC Policy & Guidelines for CO2 Euthanasia of Rodents in Research Laboratories

Yale University
Institutional Animal Care
& Use Committee
New Haven CT
USA 06510

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Policy for CO₂ Euthanasia of Rodents in Research Laboratories

Background:

The Yale University IACUC Policy on Euthanasia of Laboratory Animals states animals must be euthanized by humane methods as described in the 2000 AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. The 2000 AVMA Panel on Euthanasia states ãCompressed CO₂ in cylinders is the only recommended source of carbon dioxide because the inflow to the chamber can be regulated precisely. Carbon dioxide generated by other means such as from dry ice, fire extinguishers, or chemical means (e.g., antacids) is unacceptable.ä

Policy:

Euthanasia must be conducted using compressed CO₂ in cylinders.

Resource information:

The Yale Animal Resources Center (YARC) will euthanize laboratory rodents in approved CO₂ chambers within the animal facility. However, it is recognized that euthanasia may need to be performed in the research laboratory. To ensure compliance with the 2000 AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, laboratories may purchase compressed CO₂ euthanasia chambers from commercial sources or purchase a chamber from the YARC.

Commercial euthanasia chambers: There are complete euthanasia systems that are commercially available. Laboratories are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) prior to purchase to ensure OSHA standards for background levels of CO₂ and O₂ are acceptable. The following is a list of companies that provide euthanasia systems.

Euthanex Corp: http://www.euthanex.com/
Ellard Instrumentation Ltd. http://www.ellardinstrumentation.com/
Stoelting Inc: http://www.stoeltingco.com

Non-commercial systems: must be evaluated by Veterinary Clinical Services (VCS) or Regulatory & Safety Services prior to use to ensure humane euthanasia of animals. Laboratories are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) prior to purchase to ensure OSHA standards for background levels of CO₂ and O₂ are acceptable

YARC chamber: OEHS has assessed exposure levels of CO₂ when using a chamber designed by YARC, and together with YARC, has approved its use in research laboratories when following the “Instruction for Usage of YARC CO₂ Euthanasia Chamber”(reviewed and distributed at time of purchase). Please contact YARC at 785-4722 for purchase information and usage training.

If you are using a YARC machine click here for instrutions.

Reference:
2000 AVMA Panel on Euthanasia

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE IACUC: MAY 21, 2003