Timely Euthanasia in the United States Dairy Industry–Challenges and a Path Forward

Fowler

et al. 2020

When dairy cattle become ill or injured to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible, on-farm euthanasia should be used as a tool to eliminate pain and suffering. Our study aimed to identify decision-making criteria and the most common factors considered by veterinarians when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy cattle veterinarians were recruited to participate in an online survey (Part I, 61 surveys collected) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 4–10 veterinarians/group, n = 22). Part I (survey): Surveyed veterinarians varied regarding health condition management and demonstrated a strong proclivity to treat compromised cattle, mirroring trends amongst dairy producers identified in previous research. Sixty percent of respondents indicated that most facilities for which they serve as the primary veterinarian have a written euthanasia protocol in place. Part II (focus groups): Three main themes about euthanasia decision-making (logistical, animal, and human) were identified from focus group discussions. Discussions focused primarily on logistical factors such as financial considerations and client/public perceptions. Development of specific standards for euthanasia, alongside interactive training programs for dairy veterinarians and producers are vital next steps to improving cattle welfare and consistency in euthanasia decision-making across the United States dairy industry.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Criteria and Analysis of Barriers to Humane Euthanasia in the United States: The Veterinarian Perspective

Wagner

Fowler

et al. 2020

“…Dairy workers have expressed a desire to alleviate animal suffering by utilizing euthanasia but have also expressed a wide range of emotional states and levels of emotional distress as a result of euthanizing dairy animals [ 8 ]. In a review of challenges associated with timely euthanasia on dairy farms, factors related to animal caretaker perceptions and knowledge were described including inconsistent employee training, lack of protocols, consideration for animal quality of life, and impacts of the human-animal bond [ 9 ]. Understanding the impact of euthanasia on caretakers is the first step to improving euthanasia-related stress on dairy farms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dairy Caretaker Perspectives on Performing Euthanasia as an Essential Component of Their Job

Román-Muñiz

Edwards‐Callaway

et al. 2021

The objectives of this study were to identify caretakers’ perceptions and stressors related to performing on-farm euthanasia as well as potential ideas for intervention strategies to alleviate negative effects of performing euthanasia on caretaker well-being. Additionally, we aimed to determine how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training correlate with dairy caretakers’ attitudes toward performing on-farm euthanasia and their job satisfaction and sense of well-being. Thirty-eight dairy caretakers (19 workers, 15 supervisors, 3 owners, 1 veterinarian) participated in focus groups or interviews conducted and recorded on five Northern Colorado dairies. Thematic analysis of focus group and interview transcripts revealed seven recurring themes. Variation in available training and euthanasia protocols among dairy farms was evident. There was a lack of awareness regarding available mental health resources and little communication between farm personnel about euthanasia-related stress. Training was correlated with caretaker knowledge about euthanasia procedures and the language used to refer to euthanasia. Human-animal bonds and empathy toward animals were evident in participants regardless of training, job position, or dairy experience. Interventions such as training programs, mental health resources, and other support systems should be tested for effectiveness in addressing euthanasia-related stressors, improving euthanasia decision-making and practice, and increasing animal wellbeing on dairy farms.

“…Even though veterinarians did not make day-to-day decisions on euthanasia in this study, the majority (72%) did participate in the development of the written protocol for euthanasia on-farm, and most of the farms the respondents worked with had protocols. Having written procedures for euthanasia is critical, particularly because the impacts of performing euthanasia incorrectly can have significant consequences for human and animal welfare [ 22 , 42 ]. Despite the significance of this task, in addition to the fact that having a written euthanasia protocol is a requirement in the CSIA [ 39 ] and is outlined in the PQA Plus ® program [ 38 ], there are still swine operations that do not have written protocols for euthanasia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When asked what resources the survey respondents used to determine method of euthanasia, many of these aforementioned organizations and materials were identified, indicating that these resources are likely readily available to veterinarians. Past studies exploring caretaker and veterinary perspectives regarding euthanasia in various livestock industries have all identified the importance of euthanasia training [ 2 , 22 , 23 , 27 ]. Training, in general, is important to employee success [ 43 ] and positive interactions on-farm between animals and the caretakers, particularly when talking about a challenging task such as euthanasia, and can truly impact caretakers’ job satisfaction [ 44 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, there is an increasing need to evaluate the effects of euthanasia on production animal veterinarians. Areas requiring attention in livestock production related to euthanasia are training, written protocols, and clear communication regarding decision-making [ 22 ]. Additionally, as veterinary knowledge and guidance is critical in on-farm euthanasia decisions and training, it is essential to have adequate resources available for veterinarians to enhance the experience of caretakers when performing euthanasia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Preliminary Exploration of Swine Veterinarian Perspectives of On-Farm Euthanasia

Edwards‐Callaway

Román-Muñiz

et al. 2020

Self Cite

Euthanasia is a critical component in swine production and veterinarians play an important role in euthanasia protocol development and training. This study aimed to understand veterinarian involvement in and perspectives on euthanasia on pig farms. An online survey was disseminated both at a pig welfare conference and online via a veterinarian e-newsletter. Twenty-five veterinarians participated in the survey. The majority of respondents indicated that caretakers are the individuals making euthanasia decisions and performing the task (n = 17, 68% and 22, 88%, respectively). The majority (22, 88%) of respondents indicated that most of the facilities with which they work have a written euthanasia protocol, and 72% (18) indicated that they assisted in protocol development. Only half of respondents (13, 52%) agreed that “all employees performing euthanasia have been trained adequately”, and 80% (20) identified an interest in delivering more training. Less than half the respondents indicated that strategies for coping with “personal stress” and “emotional wellness” (12, 48%) were included in euthanasia training. While the moral stress of performing euthanasia is recognized, there is opportunity for addressing mental well-being in euthanasia resources. Although preliminary, this study supports the need for further euthanasia training on-farm, involving veterinarians in the process.