Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white‐tailed deer in New Jersey

Abstract

Safe and effective contraceptive agents are needed to manage overabundant populations of cervids in settings where traditional management methods such as hunting are prohibited or impractical. We used GonaCon TM Immunocontraceptive Vaccine to reduce reproduction in individual white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a fully fenced corporate-office campus in suburban New Jersey, USA. In July-August 2005, we captured, marked, injected, and released 47 adult females and then monitored their reproductive performance for 2 years. Thirty-two of these females each received a 1.0-mL injection of GonaCon vaccine, and 15 control females were given sham injections. Field observations of udder condition during summers of 2006 and 2007 were used to determine which adult female deer were lactating; lactation was used as an indicator of imminent or recent parturition. During summer 2006, 8 of 24 GonaCon-treated deer were pregnant, in contrast to 12 of 13 control deer. During summer 2007, 2 years after injections were given, 13 of 23 GonaCon-treated and 10 of 12 control animals were pregnant. We also captured, vaccinated, and released fawns (both sexes) and yearling and adult males and then monitored their reproductive status. Immunocontraception of fawns was unsuccessful. In some GonaCon-treated males (all age classes), serum testosterone concentrations and development of testes and antlers were reduced. Higher anti-gonadotropinreleasing-hormone antibody titers were associated with greater infertility in females and with lower values for reproductive parameters in males. GonaCon reduced reproduction in wild adult female white-tailed deer, but greater contraceptive efficacy may be required for it to gain widespread acceptance and use by natural resource managers. ß 2011 The Wildlife Society.

Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review

“…Current trends of human population growth and landscape development show that human-wildlife conflicts are increasing White and Ward 2010;Gionfriddo et al 2011a). Many of these conflicts have been traditionally managed by lethal methods.…”

Efficacy and health effects of a wildlife immunocontraceptive vaccine on fox squirrels

“…Since its development, GonaCon has been used to induce temporary infertility in many mammals, including white‐tailed deer (Miller et al , Gionfriddo et al ), mule deer ( O. hemionus ; Perry et al ), domestic cats ( Felis catus ; Levy et al ), California ground squirrels ( Otospermophilus beecheyi ; Nash et al ), Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ; Miller et al ), feral pigs ( Sus scrofa ; Killian et al ), eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ; Pai ), and black‐tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ; Yoder and Miller ). Although the safety and efficacy of GonaCon have been documented in a variety of species, less is known about the types and severity of side effects.…”

Tragulidae, Moschidae, and Cervidae

“…24,38 Feeding (including access to vegetation within the enclosure) should meet the physiologic needs of all individuals in the herd (including calves and subdominant animals) and should be performed in such a way that all individuals have access to feeds. Enclosures for captive deer should meet the behavioral and physiologic needs of the species held (see Special Housing Requirements).…”