Cunning contraceptives
(1998). Ecos (Apr-Jun): 21-24. ISSN: 0143-9073.
Descriptors: CSIRO, vaccines, contraception, wild animals,
vertebrate pests, introduced species, baits, vectors,
Aguilar, R.F., S.K. Mikota,
J. Smith, L. Munson, L.J. Freeman, and R. Kolata
(1997). Endoscopic
ovariohysterectomy in two lions (Panthera
leo). Journal of
Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 28(3): 290-297.
ISSN: 1042-7260.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Abstract: Endoscopic
techniques were used to ovariohysterectomize two
hybrid Asian lions (Panthera leo) in order to reduce the
risk of postoperative wound complications associated with standard surgical
techniques. One of the lions was aged, overweight, and considered an anesthetic
risk. The animals were anesthetized, intubated,
catheterized intravenously, and placed in dorsal recumbency
with the head lower (Trendelenburg position).
Ventilation was assisted mechanically. Following abdominal insufflation,
a surgical trocar was placed in the abdominal cavity.
Two additional 12-mm surgical trocars were placed
under direct visualization using a videoscope. The
ovaries and uterus were removed endoscopically, and
the abdominal cavity was inspected for hemorrhage under decreased insufflation pressure before closure. The surgery was
complicated by obesity, by uterine enlargement from cystic endometrial
hyperplasia and endometrial polyps, and by ovarian enlargement and fragility
because of bilateral cystic rete ovarii.
The procedure and anesthetic recovery were uneventful. Postsurgical
recovery time and convalescence lasted less than 3 days, and the animals were
reintroduced to an exhibit mate and placed on exhibit within 8 days. The
technique is appropriate for use in lions, even those with pathologic reproductive
changes, in zoos.
Descriptors: endoscopy, female,
hysterectomy, lions, surgery, ovariectomy, surgery of
the ovary and uterus, postoperative complications, risk factors, surgical wound
infection, time factors
NAL Call Number: QP251.R47
Abstract: This paper focuses on mammalian pest species
mainly in Europe and
Descriptors: Africa, animal welfare, animals, disease
reservoirs, dogs,
Asa, C.S., L.J.D. Zaneveld,
L. Munson, M. Callahan, and A.P. Byers (1996). Efficacy, safety, and reversibility
of a bisdiamine male-directed oral contraceptive in
gray wolves (Canis lupus). Journal
of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 27(4): 501-506. ISSN: 1042-7260.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Descriptors: contraception, oral contraceptive, bisdiamine, safety, zoo animals, spermatogenesis,
contraceptives, wolves, infertility, dosage
Bertschinger, H.J., C.S. Asa, P.P. Calle,
J.A. Long, K. Bauman, K. DeMatteo, W. Jochle, T.E. Trigg, and A. Human (2001). Control of
reproduction and sex related behaviour in exotic wild
carnivores with the GnRH analogue deslorelin:
preliminary observations. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
Supplement 57: 275-283. ISSN:
0449-3087.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8222 Suppl.
Abstract: The GnRH analogue deslorelin, in long-acting implants, was used in an attempt
to temporarily control reproduction or aggression in wild carnivores in
southern Africa and the
Descriptors: wild animals, carnivores, cheetahs,
contraception, drug implants, foxes, gonadorelin,
lions, otters, progesterone, sexual behavior, spermatogenesis, testosterone, triptorelin
Bertschinger, H.J., T.E. Trigg, W. Jochle, and A. Human (2002). Induction of contraception in
some African wild carnivores by downregulation of LH
and FSH secretion using the GnRH analogue deslorelin. Reproduction Supplement 60:
41-52. ISSN: 1477-0415.
NAL Call Number: QP251.J75 Suppl.
Abstract: The GnRH analogue deslorelin, in long-acting biocompatible implants, was used
as a contraceptive in 31 cheetahs (13 females and 18 males), 21 African wild
dogs (15 females and 6 males), 10 lionesses and four leopards (three females
and one male). A dose of 12 or 15 mg deslorelin was
administered to lions, whereas 6 mg deslorelin was
administered to the other species. Monitoring consisted of observations,
measurement of plasma progesterone and testosterone concentrations, vaginal
cytology and evaluation of semen and sex organs. Deslorelin
induced contraception in lionesses for 12-18 months, and in female cheetahs and
leopards for a minimum of 12 months after treatment. Two male cheetahs had no
viable spermatozoa or detectable plasma testosterone 21 months after treatment
with deslorelin. Female wild dogs responded less
consistently and one bitch conceived 4 weeks after implantation. However, in
nine bitches, mating could be postponed until the next breeding season. Male
dogs responded consistently and the contraception was effective for
approximately 12 months. Although lionesses and cheetahs may become attractive
to males for a few days after treatment, mating was not observed. No side-effects
or behavioural changes were noted, indicating that deslorelin is a safe drug to use for the contraception of
the species described. Males remain fertile for the first 6 weeks after the
insertion of implants and should be separated from cyclic females during this
period.
Descriptors: Africa, animals, zoos, carnivores, cheetahs,
contraception, veterinary, dogs, drug implants,
enzyme inhibitors, follicle stimulating hormone, lions, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, sperm count,
testosterone, triptorelin
Bradley, M.P. (1994). Experimental strategies for
the development of an immunocontraceptive vaccine for
the European red fox, Vulpes vulpes. Reproduction, Fertility, and
Development 6(3): 307-317. ISSN:
1031-3613.
NAL Call Number: QP251.R47
Abstract: The development of an immunocontraceptive
vaccine to control fox populations in
Descriptors: antibody formation, administration and dosage
of antigens, immunologic contraception, foxes, vaccines
Bradley, M.P.,
NAL Call Number: QP251.R47
Abstract: An orally-delivered immunocontraceptive
vaccine is being developed for the control of fox populations. A number of
genes (PH-20, LDH-C4, ZP3) encoding gamete proteins have been cloned, produced
in recombinant expression systems and used in fertility trials to test the
efficacy of these antigens. As the immunocontraceptive
vaccine will be delivered in a bait, there is a requirement for a greater
understanding of the immune responses of the reproductive mucosa in canids, and the assessment of the best vaccine delivery
system that will evoke a mucosal antibody response. Several vaccine delivery
systems including microencapsulated antigens, and both vaccinia
virus and bacterial vectors are being investigated. Oral administration of
Salmonella typhimurium recombinants expressing
different fox sperm antigens stimulates both systemic IgG
responses to the antigen and a mucosal immune response within the female
reproductive tract in the fox, indicating that salmonella may have potential
with respect to the oral delivery of antigen. The enhancement of mucosal immune
responses to orally-delivered vaccines is also being examined, research focussing on the possible use of fox-specific cytokines or
the beta-subunit of cholera toxin in forming part of the vaccine construct.
Descriptors: immunologic adjuvants,
amino acid sequence, antigens,
de
Jersey, J., P.H. Bird, N.K. Verma, and M.P. Bradley
(1999). Antigen-specific systemic and reproductive tract antibodies in foxes
immunized with Salmonella typhimurium expressing bacterial and sperm proteins.
Reproduction Fertility and Development 11(4-5): 219-228. ISSN: 1031-3613.
Descriptors: oral immunocontraceptive
vaccine, foxes, wildlife management, Escherichia coli, salmonella
de
Jersey, J., L.A. Hinds, and M.P. Bradley (1997). Regulation of reproductive
tract immunoglobulins by oestradiol-17beta in the european red fox (Vulpes vulpes).
Reproduction Fertility and Development 9(5): 531-538. ISSN: 1031-3613.
Descriptors: immunocontraceptive
vaccine, foxes, reproductive tract immunity, Peyer's
patch immunization, salmonella, oestradiol-17beta, female
DeLiberto, T.J., A. Seglund,
W. Jochle, and B. Kimball (2002). Assessment of cabergoline as a reproductive inhibitor in coyotes (Canis latrans).
Reprod Suppl
60(Suppl.): 53-64.
ISSN: 1477-0415.
Abstract: The efficacy of three oral formulations
(gelatin capsule, tablet, oil base) and five dosages (50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 microg) of cabergoline to disrupt
reproduction in coyotes (Canis latrans) was evaluated. The type of formulation used
had no effect on plasma progesterone and prolactin
concentrations or on mean litter size. No adverse side effects (for example,
vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea) were observed despite
the use of doses of up to 20 times the therapeutic dose used for domestic dogs
and cats. All coyotes treated with 50, 100, 250 and 500 microg
cabergoline whelped, but plasma progesterone
concentrations in these coyotes were lower (P < or = 0.07) than in control
animals at day 7 after treatment. Ten of 11 females treated with 1000 microg cabergoline whelped, but
progesterone concentrations in these coyotes were lower than in control animals
up to day 14 after treatment (P < or = 0.04). Dosages of 1000 microg cabergoline decreased
blood serum prolactin (P < or = 0.10) and
progesterone (P < or = 0.06) concentrations, but apparently failed to
decrease progesterone below the threshold necessary to maintain pregnancy in
all but one animal. However, progressive inhibition of prolactin
and progesterone with increasing doses of cabergoline
indicated that higher dosages might be effective in coyotes. Survival of pups
born to cabergoline-treated females was not different
(P < 0.001) from that of pups born to control females, but mean litter size
was smaller for females treated with cabergoline (P
< or = 0.073) than for the control females. Although all cabergoline
treatments in this study were ineffective at preventing reproduction in
coyotes, progressive inhibition of prolactin and
progesterone with increasing dosages of cabergoline
indicates that higher doses might be effective in preventing reproduction in
coyotes. However, the physiological differences from other canine species in
dopamine D2 receptors and mechanisms of luteal
support may ultimately prevent the use of cabergoline
for reproductive control in coyotes.
Descriptors: cabergoline, litter
size, coyotes, plasma progesterone, dose-response relationship, prevention of
reproduction, administration, oral, animals
Farstad, W. (1998). Reproduction in foxes: current research and
future challenges. Animal Reproduction Science 53(1-4): 35-42. ISSN: 0378-4320.
Descriptors: artificial insemination, semen, cryopreservation, population control, sterilization, in
vitro, Alopex lagopus,
Vulpes vulpes
George, P.O., C.J. Chandra, S.R. Nayar,
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IN2
Descriptors: reproductive system, surgery, wildlife
management, breeding, castration, population control
George, P., C. Chandra, J.V. Cheeran,
T.S. Amma, and K. Rajankutty
(1995). Orchiectomy
in lions (Panthera leo). Indian Veterinary Journal 72(1):
92-93. ISSN: 0019-6479.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IN2
Descriptors: Felidae,
reproductive techniques, testis, orchiectomy, case
report
Grandy, J.W. and A.T. Rutberg
(2002). An
animal welfare view of wildlife contraception. Reproduction
Supplement 60: 1-7. ISSN: 1477-0415.
NAL Call Number: QP251.J75 Suppl.
Abstract: Although there is some dissent, the animal
protection community generally supports the concept of wildlife contraception.
However, some contraceptive agents, delivery mechanisms and specific
applications will be opposed by animal welfare advocates on environmental,
humane or other ethical grounds, and some animal rights advocates may oppose
wildlife contraception entirely. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
has supported and conducted wildlife contraception studies for more than 10
years. In general, we have invested in contraceptive agents (such as porcine zona pellucida) that we believe
will prove environmentally, physiologically and behaviourally
benign, and in delivery mechanisms that are narrowly targeted. As we consider
contraception to be a major intervention into natural processes, we believe
that wildlife contraception should be applied judiciously, locally and in a
manner that is sensitive to the needs of animals, humans and ecosystem
function.
Descriptors: animal welfare, wild animals, carnivora, immunologic contraception, antigens, egg
proteins, elephants, deer, horses, membrane glycoproteins,
population control
Haight, R.G. and L.D. Mech
(1997). Computer
simulation of vasectomy for wolf control. Journal of Wildlife
Management 61(4): 1023-1031. ISSN:
0022-541X.
NAL Call Number: 410 J827
Descriptors: models, population regulation, wildlife
management, sterilization, Canis lupus,
gray wolf, computer applications
Descriptors: wildlife management, feral animals, fertility
control, habitat destruction, immunocontraception,
population management, resource availability, vaccine development
Descriptors: ecology, immune system, infection, wildlife
management
Hood, G.M., P. Chesson, and
R.P. Pech (2000). Biological control using sterilizing viruses:
host suppression and competition between viruses in non-spatial models. Journal
of Applied Ecology 37(6): 914-925.
ISSN: 0021-8901.
Descriptors: wildlife management, myxomatosis,
viral infection, sterilization, pest control method, viral vectored immunocontraception, contraception method, non spatial models
Johnson, P. Jr. and D. Baffa
(1979). Use of megestrol acetate in African lions (Panthera
leo). Veterinary
Medicine: Small Animal Clinician 74(10): 1542-1544. ISSN: 0042-4889.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 M69
Descriptors: aggression, carnivora,
contraception, female, human, lions, megestrol,
pregnancy
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Abstract: Melengestrol
acetate (MGA) is the most widely used contraceptive in zoo felids, but the
mechanism of contraception and the pathologic effects have not been
investigated. For this study, the effects of MGA on folliculogenesis
were assessed, and the association of MGA with ovarian lesions was evaluated.
Comparisons were made among the histopathologic
findings in the ovaries from 88 captive wild felids (representing 15 species)
divided into three groups: 37 currently contracepted
with MGA, eight previously exposed to MGA, and 43 never contracepted.
Ninety-one percent of the felids evaluated had tertiary follicles, and no
differences were noted between contracepted and uncontracepted cats. Some MGA-contracepted
cats also had corpora lutea indicating recent
ovulation. These results indicate that folliculogenesis
not suppressed by current doses of MGA and ovulation occurred in some cats.
Therefore, the contraceptive actions of MGA do not occur by suppressing folliculogenesis, and MGA-contracepted
felids likely have endogenous estrogens that may confound progestin effects on
the uterus. Cystic rete ovarii
was the most common pathologic finding, but they were not more prevalent in
MGA-contracepted cats. These findings indicate that
MGA is not associated with ovarian disease, including ovarian cancer, in
contrast to the uterine lesions noted in MGA-treated cats.
Descriptors: zoo animals, felids, contraceptive implants, melengestrol acetate, mechanism of contraception, ovarian
pathology
Kirkpatrick, J.F. and A.T. Rutberg
(2001). Fertility
control in animals. In: D.S. Salem and A.N. Rowan (editors), State
of the Animals 2001 Humane Society Press:
Descriptors: humane control of wildlife, local population
size, population control, fertility control, immunocontraception,
porcine zona pellucida
vaccine, horses, deer, elephants, companion animals, ethics
Kirkpatrick, J.F., J.W. Turner Jr., I.K. Liu, and R. Fayrer-Hosken (1996). Applications of pig zona pellucida immunocontraception to
wildlife fertility control. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
Supplement 50: 183-189. ISSN:
0449-3087.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8222 Suppl.
Abstract: A unique application of pig zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraception is the control of wildlife populations.
A native PZP vaccine has been successfully applied to wild horse and donkey
populations. A single annual booster inoculation was capable of maintaining
contraception. Seven consecutive years of PZP treatment in wild mares resulted
in no detectable debilitating side effects, and reversibility of contraception
has been documented among mares treated for up to 4 consecutive years.
Long-term treatment (5-7 years) is associated with some ovulation failure and
depressed urinary oestrogen concentrations. Complex
social behaviours in horses were unaffected by
treatment. PZP immunocontraception has also been
successfully applied to white-tailed deer, with no detectable changes in
ovarian histology after 2 years of treatment. Seventy-four species of captive
zoo animals have been treated with the PZP vaccine, with documented success in
27 species, including members of the orders Perissodactyla
(Equidae), Artiodactyla (Cervidae, Capridae, Giraffidae, Bovidae), and Carnivora (Ursidae, Mustelidae, Felidae). Immunocytochemistry studies have demonstrated a high degree
of crossreactivity between anti-PZP antibodies and
African elephant zona pellucida.
The need for a one-inoculation form of the vaccine has led to the incorporation
of PZP into lactide-glycolide microspheres,
which cause a delayed release of the PZP. PZP immunocontraception
of wildlife has potential because of (1) > 90% effectiveness, (2) the
ability for remote delivery, via darts, (3) reversibility after short-term use,
(4) a wide breadth of effectiveness across many species, (5) a lack of
debilitating side-effects even after long-term treatment, and (6) minimal
effects upon social behaviours.
Descriptors: zona pellucida immunocontraception,
wildlife, population control, reversible contraception.
Kolata,
R.J. (2002). Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and
hysterectomy on African lions (Panthera leo) using the ultracision harmonic scalpel. Journal of Zoo and
Wildlife Medicine 33(3): 280-282.
ISSN: 1042-7260.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Abstract: Two laparoscopic ovariohysterectomies
and three laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed on normal, healthy, adult
African lions (Panthera leo) in dorsal recumbency,
with the body tilted at 25 degrees with the head down. One 12-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were
used to access the uterus and ovaries, and the UltraCision
(Harmonic Scalpels clamp or coagulation shears was used to coagulate and divide
the ovarian- and the uterine-supporting structures and the uterine body. The
animals recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and were released to their
exhibits within 5-10 days of surgery. Such procedures can be performed safely
on large felids and can reduce postoperative recovery time and postoperative
complications. The scalpel facilitated the procedure by coagulating and dividing
tissue in a continuous sequence and reducing the number of instruments
required.
Descriptors: hysterectomy, laparoscopy, lions, ovariectomy, ultrasonics
Kolata,
R.J. (2002). Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and
hysterectomy on African lions (Panthera leo) using the ultracision(r) harmonic scalpel(r). Journal of Zoo
and Wildlife Medicine 33(3): 280-282.
ISSN: 1042-7260.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Descriptors: devices and instrumentation, reproductive
system, surgery, ultracision harmonic scalpel, laparoscopic
hysterectomy, lions
Mccallum,
H. (1996). Immunocontraception for wildlife population control. Trends in
Ecology and Evolution 11(12): 491-493.
ISSN: 0169-5347.
Descriptors: conservation, wildlife management, bait
delivery, Brushtailed possum, contraceptive method, immunocontraception, pest management, vector, wildlife
population control
Munson, L., A. Gardner, R.J. Mason, L.M. Chassy, and
NAL Call Number: 41.8 P27
Abstract: Melengestrol
acetate (MGA) contraceptives are widely used in zoo felids to regulate
fertility and may have deleterious effects on endometrial health. To determine
whether MGA exposure was associated with endometrial disease, the genital
tracts of 212 zoo felids (99 MGA treated and 113 control) representing 23
species were evaluated. Adenomatous and cystic hyperplasia were prevalent in both MGA-treated (85%) and
control (61%) groups, and the risk of developing these lesions increased with
age. Treatment with MGA further increased the risk of developing advanced
hyperplasia regardless of dose, and treatment for >72 months significantly
elevated that risk, whereas parous animals had a
lower risk. Endometrial polyps, fibrosis, adenomyosis,
and hydrometra occurred in both MGA-treated and
control animals. MGA treatment was associated with an increased risk of hydrometra and mineralization but not of adenomyosis, polyps, or fibrosis after adjusting for
advanced hyperplasia. Acute or chronic endometritis
were associated with advanced hyperplasia but not with MGA treatment. These
results indicate that proliferative and inflammatory
endometrial lesions are common spontaneous diseases in zoo cats, and MGA
contraceptives increase the risk of some diseases. The association of MGA with
endometrial lesions that could impair fertility should be considered when using
this contraceptive in genetically valuable felids.
Descriptors: zoo animals, felids, contraceptive agents,
drug implants, melengestrol acetate, endometrial
disease, risk factors
Peacock, T. (2002). Progress towards immunocontraceptive control of pest animals. In: Proceedings of the Second NSW Pest Animal
Control Conference: Practical Pest Animal Management, Dubbo,
October 15-18, 2002, NSW,
NAL Call Number: SF140.F47 N782
2002
Descriptors: contraception, contraceptives, control
methods, control programs, integrated pest management, pest control, vertebrate
pests, wild animals, foxes, rabbits
Note: This volume
is a pre-conference compilation of working papers, posters and abstracts. The
contents are unrefereed and in many cases contain preliminary
results only.
Robinson, A.J. and M.K. Holland (1995). Testing the concept of virally vectored immunosterilisation for the control of wild rabbit and fox
populations in Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal 72(2):
65-68. ISSN: 0005-0423.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Au72
Abstract: Virally vectored immunosterilisation
is a concept whereby a gene encoding an antigen from an animal's reproductive
system is inserted into a virus and, during infection, stimulates the formation
of antibodies to that antigen such that the animal is rendered infertile. There
is good evidence that certain proteins from sperm or egg when introduced parenterally will induce infertility. This paper summarises the work of the Cooperative Research Centre for
the Biological Control of Vertebrate Pest Populations and reviews progress
toward the isolation of the genes for gamete antigens from rabbits and foxes
and their introduction into suitable viral vectors as a means of control of
these pests in
Descriptors: wild animals, immunologic contraception,
foxes, genetic vectors, population control, rabbits, sterilization.
Saunders, G., J. McIlroy, M. Berghout, B. Kay, E. Gifford, R. Perry, and R. van de Ven (2002). The effects of induced
sterility on the territorial behaviour and survival
of foxes. Journal of Applied Ecology 39(1): 56-66. ISSN: 0021-8901.
Descriptors: foxes, population control, induced sterility,
effects on territoriality and survival, behavior, immunocontraception,
Thompson, L.H. (1976). Induced sterility for coyote
control: effect of cadmium chloride on potential fertility of the male Canis familiaris.
Science of Biology Journal 2(2): 42-47.
ISSN: 0098-5600.
NAL Call Number: QH301.S335
Descriptors: laboratory animals, cadmium, chemosterilants, spermatogenesis, sterilization.
Thomson, P.C., N.J. Marlow, K. Rose, and N.E. Kok (2000). The effectiveness of a large-scale baiting campaign and an
evaluation of a buffer zone strategy for fox control. Wildlife
Research 27(5): 465-472. ISSN:
1035-3712.
Descriptors: pest assessment control and management,
population studies, immunocontraception,
contraception method, large scale baiting campaign, population reduction
Tyndale-Biscoe,
C.H. (1994). Virus-vectored immunocontraception
of feral mammals. Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
6(3): 281-287. ISSN: 1031-3613.
NAL Call Number: QP251.R47
Abstract: The potential value of immunosterilization
as a means to control species of wildlife that are widespread, numerous and
undesirable is assessed. Key questions about the efficacy of fertility control
and the means for delivering antigens expressed in recombinant viral vectors
are discussed and the legal and social concerns that relate to its possible
future use are raised.
Descriptors: animals,