Field Euthanasia Methods for Wildlife

Audience: The program is tailored to IACUC staff, IACUC members, IOs, veterinarians, investigators, compliance personnel, animal care staff and others involved in animal programs.

Speaker: Tracy Thompson, DVM, Veterinary Medical Officer, National Park Service

Topic: Are you fully prepared before you head out to conduct your wildlife field work? Are all the students or other research staff trained and capable to perform euthanasia should an animal be injured or found moribund? Planning and training to relieve suffering of vertebrate animals should be part of every protocol submitted for IACUC review prior to conducting field work. In this webinar, Tracy Thompson, IACUC Chair and Attending Veterinarian at the National Park Service, will review methods that can be used in the field to euthanize injured or ill wildlife, in the hope it will never be needed.

Clarification of “de novo”: PHS Policy IV.C.5. requires “The IACUC shall conduct continuing review of each previously approved, ongoing activity covered by this Policy at appropriate intervals as determined by the IACUC, including a complete review in accordance with IV.C.1.-4. at least once every three years.” To maintain consistency with the PHS Policy, “de novo” should be replaced "complete review.”

Note: While this information was accurate at the time presented, policies and procedures change over time. Past webinars may not contain the most current guidance. Please note, do not rely on webinars and associated materials as definitive compliance guidance for your specific situation. For compliance questions, please contact OLAW directly.