Policy on the use of Avian Embryos.
Avian embryos are not considered live animals by U.S. regulatory
agencies and many universities do not regulate their use in research.
Nonetheless, there is a consensus in the scientific community that
avian embryos greater than two-thirds of the way to hatching can experience
pain. If avian embryos hatch, intentionally or unintentionally, they
are live vertebrate animals and are regulated by the IACUC. Consequently,
the CWRU IACUC has developed the following guidelines.
Chick embryos
are considered the model species. If other avian species are used,
then the guidelines should be adjusted based on relative time to hatching.
1) Investigators using avian embryos must inform the IACUC by means
of the Notice
of Intent to Use Avian Embryos Form. This form serves as a record
of avian embryo use for the IACUC. If embryos will be sacrificed prior
to 3 days before hatching, the research will not be subject to IACUC
review unless specifically requested by the investigator. Studies
using embryos within three days of hatching or hatchlings must be
reviewed by the normal IACUC procedure for vertebrate animals.
2) Chick embryos younger than embryonic day 15 (E15) are assumed
to be unable to experience pain. It is recommended that E14 or younger
embryos be euthanized by hypothermia, typically by placing the eggs
in a -20°C freezer.
3) Chick embryos from E15 to E18 can experience pain and should
be euthanized by decapitation or other rapid and humane method.
4) Embryos E19 and older must be euthanized by humane methods such
as C02, anesthetic agents or decapitation. It should be noted that
embryos are resistant to C02. If this method is chosen, the embryos
must be exposed to 90% C02 for at least 20 min. Dry ice is unacceptable
as a source of C02 for euthanasia.
5) The IACUC recognizes that inadvertent hatching may occur. Investigators
are asked to describe their methods for humane euthanasia of hatchlings.
These guidelines were developed based on recommendations of ILAR,
the NIH intramural recommendations for rodent neonates, and the AVMA
Panel on Euthanasia.
Submit the completed form to the CWRU IACUC Office, Room WG-77 or
WG-78, School of Medicine, Telephone (216) 368-3815 or (216) 368-6979,
Fax (216) 368-4805.
|
