Wildlife contraceptive

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Wildlife contraceptives of various kinds are under development. Contraceptives such as these are intended to control population growth among both tame and wild animals.

White-tailed deer may be controlled with contraceptives in suburban areas, where they are sometimes a nuisance. In parts of the United States, does are shot with darts containing a contraceptive vaccine, rendering them temporarily infertile.[1] The Humane Society of the United States runs a deer birth control program, but it is experimental; it may not be cost-effective in the long run.[1][2] It may cost $300[2] to $1000[1] per deer.

The vaccine used is porcine zona pellucida (PZP), or derivatives.[3] This form of immunocontraception prevents sperm from accessing an ovum.[3] Another form of deer contraception, called GonaCon, produces antibodies to sex drive hormones in the deer, causing them to lose interest in mating.[4]

Similar forms of injectable contraceptive are being studied for use in elk[5] and gray squirrels.[6]

Oral contraceptives may also be developed for population control among a variety of animals, including deer, feral pigs, coyotes, cougars, dogs and cats.[7]

Pigeons have been a target for experimental contraceptives for decades.[8] An oral contraceptive is in use for the control of Canada Geese.[5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Schuerman, M. Birth Control for Deer?. Audubon February 8, 2002.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Barr, C. W. A Deer Contraceptive Is Turning Off the Heat. Washington Post August 19, 2004.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Broache, A. Oh Deer! Smithsonian October 2005.
  4. ↑ McGrath, M. Deer 'pill' curbs aggressive mating. BBCNews September 1, 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Boyle, R. Birth Control for Animals. Popular Science March 3, 2009.
  6. ↑ Dalhouse, D. Squirrel contraceptive research under way. Clemson University News March 10, 2008.
  7. ↑ Oral Contraceptives Could Work For Dogs, Cats, Pigs, Maybe Even Deer And Coyotes. Science News February 25, 2008.
  8. ↑ Mooallem, J. Pigeon Wars. New York Times October 15, 2006.


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