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Low-residue euthanasia of stranded mysticetes
Craig A Harms1, William A McLellan, Michael J Moore
11 Department of Clinical Sciences and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 1, 2013
Summary
Humane euthanasia for stranded large whales is challenging. A new method uses common drugs and simple equipment to reduce risks to personnel and minimize environmental drug residues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Marine Biology
- Wildlife Conservation
Background:
- Stranded large whales present significant logistical, safety, and environmental challenges for euthanasia.
- Existing methods may involve risks to personnel and concerns regarding drug residues, particularly pentobarbital, due to its persistence in aquatic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, humane euthanasia technique for stranded mysticetes (baleen whales).
- To address safety concerns for stranding personnel and minimize environmental impact from drug residues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized readily available, cost-effective preanesthetic and anesthetic drugs (midazolam, acepromazine, xylazine).
- Administered saturated potassium chloride (KCl) via custom needles and a basic pressurized canister.
- Focused on moderating personnel exposure and reducing drug residues.
Main Results:
- The described technique provides effective euthanasia for large stranded whales.
- This method successfully mitigates safety hazards for response teams.
- It minimizes the concern for relay toxicity to scavengers and environmental persistence of drug residues.
Conclusions:
- A practical and humane euthanasia method for stranded mysticetes has been developed.
- This technique offers a viable alternative to natural expiration or methods with higher risks.
- It balances animal welfare with the safety of responders and environmental protection.
