Key Dates

Related Announcements

NOT-OD-20-132 - Public Comments on the Implementation of the Updated AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition

NOT-OD-20-069 - Request for Information (RFI) on Implementation of the Updated AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition

Issued by

Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)

Purpose

This Notice provides guidance to Assured institutions on the implementation of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition.

Implementation of the Updated AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals

The AVMA has issued and posted an update to the Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition, the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. After October 1, 2020, grant applications and contract proposals must be consistent with the 2020 Guidelines. Grant applicants must continue to follow application form instructions in the How to Apply – Application Guide.

Background

The NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) oversees Public Health Service (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). PHS Policy IV.C.1.g. requires that euthanasia methods be consistent with the recommendations of the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals unless adequate scientific justification is provided. Similar requirements apply to contract proposals as prescribed in the Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulations, Subpart 370.4.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
Telephone: 301-496-7163
Email: olaw@mail.nih.gov