Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately. The euthanasia plan must be consistent with AVMA and AABP guidelines on humane euthanasia.

Goal:

To minimize pain and suffering by giving a humane and timely death to animals when necessary.

How to assess:

Review the humane euthanasia protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

Dairy Well

• Acceptable methods -barbiturate overdose, penetrating captive bolt, gunshot
  • Must follow AVMA and AABP guidelines
  • Must specify method used
• Must have a plan to confirm death and to repeat euthanasia method if necessary
• VOR signature

A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.

National Dairy FARM Program

• Acceptable methods - gunshot, penetrating captive bolt, barbiturate overdose
  • Must follow AVMA and AABP guidelines
• Designated employees trained in procedure of euthanasia and recognizingwhen euthanasia is the appropiate option
• Confirm death
• Carcass disposal in compliance with local regulations
• Mortality record and causes (e.g. euthanasia, toxic mastitis)

Validus

• Acceptable methods - barbiturate overdose, penetrating captive bolt, gunshot
  • Must follow AVMA and AABP guidelines
• Confirmation of insensibility (no eye reflex, no rhythmic breathing) and confirmation of death (no heartbeat or respiration)
• Employees must be trained in proper euthanasia techniques
• Decision to euthanize must be made in a timely manner
  • Animals in extreme distress with irreversible situations -- within 4 hours
  • Sick animals must be reviewed daily -- if no response after 3 days, treatment must be changed or euthanasia is considered
• Mortality records should be recorded and reviewed annually