in the case of free-living (wild) birds this can be done without a licence or express
permission from the relevant authorities depends upon the country or region,
the species and the circumstances Whatever the background, the aim must be to
kill the bird in a way that is: (a) humane, that is, causes minimal pain, stress or
fear; (b) legal; (c) aesthetically acceptable; and (d) least likely to have an adverse
effect on subsequent postmortemor laboratory investigations (Cooper 1987).
Before embarking on a program of euthanasia (culling), a protocol should be
prepared following consultation with others. Relevant published information
should be consulted and effort made to ensure that the method followed—and
the circumstances under which it is used—conforms to the above four require-
ments. Whether a method is legally acceptable will relate not only to where the
killing is to be carried out but also to the purpose. Thus, for example, in the
United Kingdom birds that are part of a research project under The Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 may only be euthanased using a method listed in
Schedule I of the Act. This does not, however, preclude the use of other methods
if the birds are not part of such a licensed project—as would apply, for example,
to sick or injured specimens that are being culled on welfare grounds.
Table 8.2 lists some methods of killing birds, with comments on each
technique. Most types of euthanasia require experience if they are to be carried
out humanely, with minimal danger to the handler. It is wise to perfect tech-
niques first on a dead bird. Training in methods of euthanasia can usually be
obtained from a veterinary surgeon, a veterinary nurse, an animal technician, or
sometimes an aviculturist. In the UK most veterinary practices will euthanase a
wild bird free-of-charge, so long as they are not also expected to dispose of the
carcass.
Further information about euthanasia is to be found in the References and
Further Reading.
8.2 The postmortemexamination
It is always important to plan well. A hastily performed necropsy, with inade-
quate notes or unrepresentative samples, may yield data that are confusing, use-
less, or even erroneous.
The steps that should be taken in preparing for a postmortemexamination are
as follows:
- Decide why the necropsy is to be carried out. The various types of post-
mortemexamination, which have different objectives, are summarized in
Table 8.3.
The postmortemexamination| 183