Position paper on the proposed ban of carbon dioxide for rodent euthanasia

The use of carbon dioxide for rodent euthanasia is currently a matter of intense debate, with an announced intention to discourage it, or even to prohibit it. A systematic review of publications related to the use of carbon dioxide for euthanasia in mice and rats is being conducted by an IACLAM (International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine) task force. Preliminary results reveal that there is very little scientific evidence supporting its prohibition so far and concluded in recommending additional research.