citation_inspection: 3507

The licensee currently lacks adequate guidance to personnel regarding euthanasia of animals conducted by the facility. The Methods used for Euthanasia were not adequately described in the Program of veterinary Care stating only that animals could be euthanized by either the veterinarian or the licensee and by Carbon Dioxide or Sodium Pentobarbital but not differentiating who was permitted to use which method, for which species, or what staff training was required. When APHIS officials questioned facility personnel in charge of performing euthanasia and the methods which they were trained, the reply was that the procedure was " (cid:28)learned on the internet"(cid:29). The licensee must seek adequate guidance from the Attending Veterinarian (AV) and ensure that all employees are appropriately trained in these techniques including positive determination of death as directed by the AV before they are allowed to perform these responsibilities. A complete description of the methods used including a description of these procedures and designation for which species it is appropriate must be included in the program of veterinary care. Failure to obtain adequate guidance from the AV regarding this topic may result in deviation from acceptable practices without the veterinarian(cid:25)s' knowledge and lead to unnecessary animal suffering. Correct by ensuring that additional guidance as described above is incorporated into the PVC and that records of staff training in these methods are maintained from this point forward. To be completed by: 18 January 2016