AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by members of the Animal Welfare Committee to discuss the recently revised Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle. Joining us in this episode is Dr. Liz Brock, District 1 Director and Vice-Chair, Dr. Meggan Hain, Chair, and Dr. Brett Boyum. Brock discusses the AABP policy for developing and reviewing all AABP guidelines and position statements to ensure they remain relevant and consistent with current science. The documents are used not only to advocate for best practices within our industry but also used by other organizations as our official position on a variety of cattle health and welfare topics, Our guests walk us through the main sections of the guideline, including indications for euthanasia and the primary and secondary methods that are approved. Hain discusses the important distinction between when anesthesia is required versus sedation with alpha-2 agonists. Boyum highlights the approach he takes to ensure adequate training and monitoring of caretakes for euthanasia protocols and the important role that all veterinarians should take in ensuring that animals receive a timely and humane death when indicated. We also discuss considerations for carcass disposal, especially with the use of pentobarbital, and alternative chemical euthanasia methods. We encourage all listeners to review the guidelines and discuss euthanasia protocols and training with their clients to advocate for appropriate animal care. 

 Relevant links:

 AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle, March 2023

 Robbins, J. A. ., Williams, R., Derscheid, R. J. ., Boyum, B., & Spangler, C. (2021). Comparison of frontal-sinus and poll shot locations as secondary methods for euthanizing dairy cattle with a penetrating captive bolt gun. The Bovine Practitioner, 55(2), 115–119. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol55no2p115-119

Intrathecal Lidocaine Procedure in Equids and Cattle