Speaker
Dr Jean-Philippe Mocho, Director, DanioVet, United Kingdom, is a veterinary surgeon with 25 years of experience and a particular expertise in laboratory fish welfare and the 3Rs. He provides international consultancy and has convened several FELASA working groups on aquatic species, including the recent recommendations on humane killing of laboratory fish.
Abstract
Anaesthesia and euthanasia are routine in zebrafish research, but routine does not always mean optimal. Which method should we choose, and what should guide that choice?
This practical webinar explores how to select and refine anaesthesia, analgesia and humane killing protocols according to the procedure, developmental stage, animal welfare and scientific needs. We will consider effectiveness, pain relief, aversion, recovery, repeat anaesthesia, longer-term effects and reliable confirmation of death. Participants will leave with a simple framework for questioning current practice and making better evidence-based choices for zebrafish welfare and research quality.
Selected references:
- Schroeder P, et al. Anaesthesia of laboratory, aquaculture and ornamental fish: Proceedings of the first LASA-FVS Symposium. Laboratory Animals. 2021. doi:10.1177/0023677221998403.
- von Krogh K, Higgins J, Saavedra Torres Y, Mocho J-P. Screening of Anaesthetics in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the Induction of Euthanasia by Overdose. Biology. 2021;10:1133. doi:10.3390/biology10111133.
- Mocho J-P, et al. Methods of humane killing of laboratory fish: FELASA Working Group recommendations. Laboratory Animals. 2025;59:599–613. doi:10.1177/00236772251351095.
Learning outcomes
- Choose anaesthesia according to procedure and purpose
- Recognise when analgesia should be considered
- Identify avoidable welfare problems and aversion
- Evaluate options for humane killing
- Refine protocols without compromising science
Key takeaways
- One protocol does not fit every procedure
- Immobilisation does not necessarily mean analgesia
- Anaesthetic choice can affect welfare and science
- Euthanasia must reliably result in death
- Better decisions start by questioning routine practice