The AASV and National Pork Board recently reviewed and revised the document, On-Farm Euthanasia of Swine – Recommendations for the Producer. The new 20-page booklet is designed to help producers make appropriate decisions regarding euthanasia of swine. It highlights methods of euthanasia recommended for different sizes of pigs, and outlines the factors to be considered when selecting a method for use.
The revision of the guidelines was completed by a joint AASV/NPB working group. AASV members Drs. Scanlon Daniels, John Deen, Morgan Morrow, David Reeves, and Lisa Tokach served on the working group. A comprehensive literature review of swine euthanasia was a key resource utilized by the group as they considered the appropriateness and humaneness of each method of euthanasia. The AASV Foundation provided funding for the literature review, which was conducted at Iowa State University.
There are many sensitive issues in animal agriculture that are under both professional and public scrutiny. The new guidelines will assist veterinarians and producers with making the right decisions for the pigs under their care, ensuring appropriate and humane euthanasia.
The Pork Checkoff’s PQA Plus program uses the euthanasia guidelines as a training resource, and encourages producers to discuss euthanasia options with their veterinarian to formulate an action plan for use on the farm. The booklet is available in electronic (pdf) format here. AASV members in the US and Canada will receive a print copy of the booklet in the mail. Additional print copies may be ordered from the Pork Store here.