AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition

On January 15, 2020, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued and posted an updated version of the Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. The 2020 Edition is available for download at https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf.

The PHS Policy,IV.C.1.g., requires that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) reviewing research animal activities determine that methods of euthanasia used will be consistent with the recommendations of the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animalsunless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.

Federal Register Notice2020-03607 and NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-20-069 Request for Information were issued to solicit input from the public on any concerns they may have with the 2020 Edition of the Guidelines.

The public comment period closed on April 29, 2020.

OLAW encourages Assured institutions to begin using the 2020 Guidelines when reviewing research projects as soon as possible and expects full implementation after October 1, 2020. Previously approved projects undergoing continuing review according to PHS Policy,IV.C.5., which requires a complete review at least once every 3 years, must be reviewed using the 2020 Guidelines after October 1, 2020.

Call (301-496-7163) or e-mail (olaw@mail.nih.gov)OLAWfor answers to your questions.

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AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition