Implementation of the Updated AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition

Notice Number:  NOT-OD-13-048

Release Date:  March 1, 2013

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

This Notice provides guidance to Public Health Service (PHS) awardee institutions on implementation of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition ("Guidelines").

Background

The NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) oversees PHS-funded animal activities by the authority of the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 and the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy). The PHS Policy, IV.C.1.g., requires that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) reviewing PHS-conducted or supported research projects determine that methods of euthanasia used will be consistent with the recommendations of the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, unless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.

Implementation of the Updated AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals

The AVMA has issued and posted an update to the 2007 Guidelines on Euthanasia with a new title, AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition available at https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf (PDF). 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.

Public Comment

The NIH is seeking input from the public on any concerns they may have regarding the updated Guidelines. Public comments must be submitted electronically at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/2013avmaguidelines_comments/add.cfm?ID=32. Comments must be received on or before May 31, 2013. Responders are free to address any of the recommendations in the Guidelines. The NIH may make the comments available on the OLAW website.

For questions or further information, contact:

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
Office of Extramural Research
National Institutes of Health
RKL1, Suite 360
6705 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7982
Phone: 301-496-7163
Fax: 301-480-3394
Email: olaw@od.nih.gov
Web: http://olaw.nih.gov/