Background: Federal regulations and vendor policies exist prohibiting the use of barbiturates in euthanasia of animals disposed of by rendering or landfill.
Species affected and disposal options: The following species can be rendered, if not euthanized with barbiturates or diagnosed with a select agent: bovines <30 months of age (including fetuses), bovines > 30 months of age with brain and spinal cord removed, bovines > 30 months of age with a negative BSE test, small ruminants with a negative scrapie test, poultry, pigs, camelids, lagomorphs, and fish. In addition to animals euthanized with barbiturates or animals diagnosed with a select agent, the following species cannot be disposed of by rendering: cervids, horses, large wildlife and zoo animals. Incineration is a disposal option for domestic dogs and cats, mustelids, pocket pets, and small wildlife and zoo animals.
WVDL Zero Tolerance Barbiturate Policy
Necropsy: Barbiturate Residue Rendering Guidelines
Download CL-Res 105 Necropsy Barbiturate Residue Rendering Guidelines