ILAR
http://dels.nas.edu/ilar
The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) prepares authorative reports on subjects of importance to the animal care and use community; develops and makes available scientific and technical information on laboratory animals and other biological research resources. ILAR promotes high-quality, humane care of animals and the appropriate use of animals and alternatives. ILAR functions within the mission of the National Academy of Sciences as an advisor to the federal government, the biomedical research community, and the public.
Euthanasia might be necessary at the end of a protocol or as a means to relieve pain or distress that cannot be alleviated by analgesics, sedatives, or other treatments. Protocol should include criteria for initiating euthanasia, such as degree of a physical or behavioral defecit or tumor size, that will enable a prompt decision to be made by the veterinarian and the investigator to ensure that the endpoint is humane and the objctive of the protocol is achieved (Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, National Research Council, Washington D.C. 1996; pp. 65-66)
ILAR publishes about thematic topics. Most of these issues are available online. Particularly relevant with respect to humane endpoints are the follow issues:
In addition, ILAR published two reports that are closely linked to the topic of humane endpoints:
- Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals (2009), ISBN-10: 0-309-12832-3 and ISBN-13: 978-0-309-12832-2
- Recognition and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals (2008), PAPERBACK ISBN-10: 0-309-10817-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-309-10817-1
More information can be obtained from ILAR's website: http://dels.nas.edu/ilar
