Use of Live Embryonated Eggs of Egg-Laying Vertebrate Species (IACUC)
Purpose
Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal policies and regulations and the Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals. Federal oversight expects institutions have policies and procedures in place that address the care or euthanasia of egg-laying vertebrate species that hatch unexpectedly. The intent of this policy is to describe disposal procedures for live embryonated eggs of avian and other egg-laying vertebrate species in various stages of development prior to hatching, as well as to ensure euthanasia procedures are in place for inadvertently hatched avian and other egg-laying vertebrate species.
Covered Parties
This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities involving live vertebrate animals conducted at or under the auspices of Boston University.
University Policy
Principal Investigators (PI) must inform the BU IACUC of their intent to use live embryonated eggs of avian and other egg-laying vertebrate species prior to hatching by updating their approved protocol or submitting the “Notice of Intent to Use Embryos” form to ensure that appropriate plans are in place to address the care and euthanasia of animals that may hatch unexpectedly.
The use of offspring of avian and other egg-laying vertebrate species after hatching, including zebrafish larvae and chicken embryo, must receive prior IACUC review and approval via submission of an animal use protocol (see the Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUCInstitutional Animal Care and Use Committee IACUC oversee... policy for details).
The “Notice of Intent to Use Embryos” form will be reviewed by the Animal Welfare Program (AWP) staff. Clearance to engage in the proposed activities will be provided to the PI by the AWP staff after determining that IACUC approval is not required for the proposed activities. The PI must obtain this clearance prior to engaging in the proposed activities.
Once clearance has been provided, the PI is responsible for submitting an updated form to the AWP staff regarding any planned changes that may increase the likelihood that embryonated eggs will hatch prior to implementation.
Active Protocols: If the PI has an approved protocol to use egg-laying adult animals, including breeding to obtain embryos, the information below may be incorporated into the protocol in lieu of submitting a “Notice of Intent to Use Embryos” form:
- A succinct explanation of the purpose of the activity and the procedures involved;
- A clear indication of when all live embryonated eggs will be used or disposed and the method of disposition; and
- What steps will be taken (i.e., veterinary staff intervention, euthanasia) in the event that any egg inadvertently hatches.
Zebrafish embryos less than 4 dpf that are being disposed of should be treated with sodium hypochlorite to prevent further development. Embryonated chicken eggs <80% incubation should be destroyed with >20 minutes exposure to CO2, cooling <4C for 4 hours, or freezing. Embryonated bird eggs with > 80% incubation should be euthanized with anesthetic overdose, > 20 minutes CO2 exposure, or decapitation if hatched.
Responsible Parties
The Animal Welfare Program and Attending Veterinarian are responsible for overseeing implementation of and ensuring compliance with this policy.
Defined Terms
Embryonated: means having an embryo.
Embryo: means an egg-laying vertebrate animal at any stage of development prior to hatching.
Avian: means a bird.
Hatching: means to bring forth offspring from the egg.
Euthanasia: means a method of killing that minimizes pain, distress, and anxiety experienced by the animal prior to loss of consciousness, and causes rapid loss of consciousness followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and death.
Related Policies and References
AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition
Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUC
Notice of Intent to Use Embryos Form
History
This policy replaced the Fertilized and Embryonated Chicken Eggs Policy in 2017.
Effective Date: 03/14/2023
Next Review Date: 03/13/2026