Approved: 11/16/99
Reapproved: 6/15/11; 11/20/2012
Cervical dislocation is used to euthanize mice, immature rats (< 200 g) and rabbits (< 1 kg), poultry, and other small birds. This technique may induce rapid unconsciousness, however, due to the possibility of momentary distress immediately following the cervical dislocation, this procedure is to be carried out only after administration of an anesthetic agent. Animal experiments that require the use of cervical dislocation without prior administration of an anesthetic agent must be scientifically justified. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for approving protocols describing the use of cervical dislocation as a means of euthanasia. The Principal Investigator is the primary person responsible for ensuring that personnel who perform cervical dislocation are properly trained prior to the use of this euthanasia method.