Griffith University
SOP No: L-1
SUBJECT:
POLICY:
Euthanasia of Laboratory Mice (Inhalant)
When it is necessary to kill an animal, humane procedures must be used; avoiding pain or distress, be reliable and produce rapid loss of consciousness until death occurs.
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PRECAUTIONS: Wear personal protective equipment (Lab coat/gown, gloves, eye protection and masks) and ensure this procedure is carried out in a well-ventilated area (preferably with a scavenger).
EQUIPMENT: Sealed chamber
CO
2
PROCEDURE:
1. Procedure is to take place in a quiet, clean environment, separate from other animals.
2. Place mice into chamber.
3. Gradually fill chamber with 100% CO
2
at a rate to fill 20% of the chamber volume per minute.
4. Turn off CO
2 when mice have ceased breathing and remove from chamber.
5. Death must be established before disposal of the carcass. This is assessed by lack of responses (pedal reflex, blink reflex) and loss of pulse.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The procedure must be performed only by personnel approved as competent or under the direct supervision of a competent person.
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DATE ISSUED: November 2008
TO BE REVISED: 2011
CHAIR OF GUAEC
REFERENCES
1. NHMRC (2004) Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (7th edition). Australian Government.
2. Johnson D.& Blaszak K. (2005) Carbon Dioxide Use for Euthanasia of Laboratory Animals
Bureau of Animal Welfare , DPI. Victoria