Update on submission of live animals for postmortem

Andrew Brooks

Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON

AHL Newsletter 2021;25(2):7.

The global shortage of pentobarbital has impacted the ability of the AHL to accept live animal submissions.  We are no longer able to source supplies of euthanasia solution comprised of this chemical.  Whenever possible, please ensure that animals are humanely euthanized and submitted for postmortem as soon as possible.  Although live food animals can still be submitted, we request that you please contact the AHL in advance in order to confirm that the submission can be accepted. 

Live poultry submissions are not affected as pentobarbital is not required for humane euthanasia of birds.  AHL