Emergency euthanasia of cattle challenged with Escherichia coli O157:H7 - a case study for evaluating the response to an infectious disease outbreak

Brandon H Gilroyed; Tim Reuter; John P Kastelic; Tim A McAllister

doi:10.4142/jvs.2013.14.1.103

Emergency euthanasia of cattle challenged with Escherichia coli O157:H7 - a case study for evaluating the response to an infectious disease outbreak

J Vet Sci. 2013;14(1):103-6. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2013.14.1.103. Epub 2013 Feb 5.

Authors

Brandon H Gilroyed¹, Tim Reuter, John P Kastelic, Tim A McAllister

Affiliation

¹ School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, Ontario, Canada N0P 2C0.

Abstract

In the event of an infectious disease outbreak in cattle, carcasses must be disposed of in a rapid and contained manner. This brief communication details injection of a barbiturate to euthanize cattle inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 followed by carcass composting in a manner that prevents the spread of infectious agents.

Keywords: control; disease; emergency; euthanasia; outbreak.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cattle
Cattle Diseases / microbiology*
Disease Outbreaks / veterinary*
Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
Escherichia coli Infections / veterinary*
Escherichia coli O157*
Euthanasia, Animal / methods*
Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
Male
Pentobarbital / administration & dosage
Pentobarbital / pharmacology*
Soil

Substances

Hypnotics and Sedatives
Soil
Pentobarbital