Unfortunately, it is inevitable that animals will become ill or injured in such a way that euthanasia will be necessary. It is usually impractical or impossible for a veterinarian to regularly perform euthanasia farms; euthanasia then becomes the responsibility of the producer. The producer should be aware of the available humane on-farm euthanasia methods and how to perform them.
This brochure is designed to assist producers in making decisions about euthanasia while considering pig welfare, economics, safety and public health. Swine producers and their employees should read this
brochure, discuss the different options with their veterinarian and fill out the action plan on page eight.
The action plan should be reviewed annually with your veterinarian and your employees.
When illness or injury occur on-farm, the action taken on the part of the producer usually falls into
4 broad categories:
1. Treatment – If an appropriate treatment is available and practical.
2. Slaughter – If the animal is suitable for transport and human consumption. In Ontario,
a Veterinary Certificate for Direct Transport to Slaughter must be obtained from
a veterinarian if a non-ambulatory animal is to be transported.
3. Sell or Transfer – This option may be appropriate in case of injured or disadvantaged pigs
that may perform adequately in a different production setting.
4. Euthanasia – As a last resort, producers must decide to euthanise animals for humane,
economic and public health reasons.