Updated: Understanding Muzzle Energy Euthanasia Fact Sheet

June 24, 2020 — 

The National Pork Board has updated the factsheet, Understanding Muzzle Energy Euthanasia. Updates include preliminary data from on-going research about the selection of proper caliber and ammunition.

"Of note, preliminary data from on-going research supported by the National Pork Board (June, 2020) has determined that full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition in both .38 special and 9 mm caliber (> 300 ft- lb.) will penetrate the contralateral portion of the skull in market- weight animals with enough remaining energy to create a worker safety issue. Therefore, these caliber/ammunition combinations are NOT recommended as a means of safe and efficacious euthanasia. This is a primary concern as FMJ ammunition is readily available at this time and would likely become the projectile of choice in this caliber if individuals are faced with a mass- depopulation scenario within their production system.*Additional data from this NPB research would suggest that a .22 caliber copper- plated bullet (FMJ) at ~150 ft- lb. energy is safe and effective when properly placed."

The factsheet can be accessed directly here or in the Swine Euthanasia and Depopulation Resources Toolbox.

Find more related resources on the AASV COVID-19 webpage.