FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Reimmunization increases contraceptive effectiveness of gona...
PloS one2018; 13(7); e0201570; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201570

Reimmunization increases contraceptive effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine (GonaCon-Equine) in free-ranging horses (Equus caballus): Limitations and side effects.

Abstract: Wildlife and humans are increasingly competing for resources worldwide, and a diverse, innovative, and effective set of management tools is needed. Controlling abundance of wildlife species that are simultaneously protected, abundant, competitive for resources, and in conflict with some stakeholders but beloved by others, is a daunting challenge. Free-ranging horses (Equus caballus) present such a conundrum and managers struggle for effective tools for regulating their abundance. Controlling reproduction of female horses presents a potential alternative. During 2009-2017, we determined the long-term effectiveness of GnRH vaccine (GonaCon-Equine) both as a single immunization and subsequent reimmunization on reproduction and side effects in free-ranging horses. At a scheduled management roundup in 2009, we randomly assigned 57 adult mares to either a GonaCon-Equine treatment group (n = 29) or a saline control group (n = 28). In a second roundup in 2013, we administered a booster vaccination to these same mares. We used annual ground observations to estimate foaling proportions, social behaviors, body condition, and injection site reactions. We found this vaccine to be safe for pregnant females and neonates, with no overt deleterious behavioral side effects during the breeding season. The proportion of treated mares that foaled following a single vaccination was lower than that for control mares for the second (P = 0.03) and third (P = 0.08) post-treatment foaling seasons but was similar (P = 0.67) to untreated mares for the fourth season, demonstrating reversibility of the primary vaccine treatment. After two vaccinations, however, the proportion of females giving birth was lower (P <0.001) than that for control mares for three consecutive years and ranged from 0.0-0.16. The only detectable adverse side effect of vaccination was intramuscular swelling at the vaccination site. Regardless of vaccine treatment (primary/secondary), approximately 62% (34/55) of immunized mares revealed a visible reaction at the vaccine injection site. However, none of these mares displayed any evidence of lameness, altered gait or abnormal range of movement throughout the 8 years they were observed in this study. Our research suggests that practical application of this vaccine in feral horses will require an initial inoculation that may provide only modest suppression of fertility followed by reimmunization that together could result in greater reduction in population growth rates over time.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2018-07-31 PubMed ID: 30063758PubMed Central: PMC6067756DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201570Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Clinical Trial
  • Veterinary
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • Non-P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the effectiveness and potential side effects of a contraceptive vaccine (GonaCon-Equine) on free-ranging horses. The results suggest that the vaccine is safe for both pregnant females and neonates, and reimmunization significantly reduces fertility rates over time.

Research Objective

  • The objective of this research was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness, reversibility, and side effects of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine, GonaCon-Equine, as a means to control the horse population. Controlling horse reproduction was considered an alternative solution to managing the increasing competition for resources between wildlife and humans. The study focused on mares (female horses), as controlling their reproduction could directly impact population growth.

Research Methodology

  • From 2009 to 2017, the researchers randomly divided 57 adult mares into two groups. One group received the GonaCon-Equine vaccination (n=29) and the control group received a saline solution (n=28).
  • At a second roundup in 2013, a booster vaccination was administered to the same mares.
  • Annual ground observations were used to estimate foaling proportions, social behaviors, body conditions, and injection site reactions.

Research Findings

  • The study found GonaCon-Equine safe for both pregnant mares and neonates with no major behavioral side effects observed during breeding seasons.
  • The proportion of vaccinated mares foaling was lower than for the control group for the second and third post-treatment seasons, suggesting the effectiveness of the vaccine. Additionally, the vaccinated mares exhibited a similar rate of foaling as the untreated group during the fourth season, suggesting reversibility of the treatment.
  • After reimmunization, the proportion of vaccinated mares foaling was significantly lower than for the control group for three consecutive years. This indicates that repeated application of the vaccine has a more significant impact on fertility.
  • The only noticeable side effect was muscle swelling at the injection site. Despite 62% of the immunized mares displaying a visible reaction such as this, there were no changes observed in their movements, or any signs of lameness indicating that the vaccine was well-tolerated.

Conclusion

  • Based on the study, GonaCon-Equine vaccine could be a viable tool for controlling the population of free-ranging horses. An initial vaccination followed by reimmunization might lead to greater reductions in population growth rates over time. However, the presence of muscle swelling at the injection site implies that further research is needed to reduce potential side effects.

Cite This Article

APA
Baker DL, Powers JG, Ransom JI, McCann BE, Oehler MW, Bruemmer JE, Galloway NL, Eckery DC, Nett TM. (2018). Reimmunization increases contraceptive effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine (GonaCon-Equine) in free-ranging horses (Equus caballus): Limitations and side effects. PLoS One, 13(7), e0201570. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201570

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 7
Pages: e0201570
PII: e0201570

Researcher Affiliations

Baker, Dan L
  • Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
Powers, Jenny G
  • Biological Resources Division, National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
Ransom, Jason I
  • Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
McCann, Blake E
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, National Park Service, Medora, North Dakota, United States of America.
Oehler, Michael W
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, National Park Service, Medora, North Dakota, United States of America.
Bruemmer, Jason E
  • Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
Galloway, Nathan L
  • Biological Resources Division, National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
Eckery, Douglas C
  • National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
Nett, Terry M
  • Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Contraception, Immunologic / adverse effects
  • Contraception, Immunologic / methods
  • Contraception, Immunologic / veterinary
  • Contraceptive Effectiveness
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / immunology
  • Horses / immunology
  • Immunization, Secondary / adverse effects
  • Immunization, Secondary / methods
  • Immunization, Secondary / veterinary
  • Pregnancy
  • Random Allocation
  • Vaccination / adverse effects
  • Vaccination / methods
  • Vaccination / veterinary
  • Vaccines, Contraceptive / therapeutic use

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

References

This article includes 80 references
  1. Woodroffe R, Thirgood S, Rabinowitz A. People and Wildlife: conflict or coexistence?. Cambridge University Press; 2005.
  2. Diamond J. Evolution, consequences and future of plant and animal domestication.. Nature 2002 Aug 8;418(6898):700-7.
    pubmed: 12167878doi: 10.1038/nature01019google scholar: lookup
  3. Asa C, Porton I. The need for wildlife contraception. In: Asa C, Porton I, editors. Wildlife contraception Issues, methods, issues, and applications; 2005. pp. xxv–xxxii.
  4. Caughley G. Overpopulation. In: Jewell P, Holt S, editors. Problems in management of locally abundant wild mammals New York: Academic Press; 1981. pp. 7–19.
  5. Hone J. Wildlife damage control. Victoria: CSIRO; 2007.
  6. Olsen S. The roles of humans in horse distribution through time. In: Ransom JI, Kaczensky P, editors. Wild equids: ecology, management, and conservation. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2016. pp. 105–120.
  7. Wagner F. 48th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. In: Status of wild horse and burro management on public rangelands. Logan: The College; 1983. p. 116–133.
  8. Garrott RA, Oli MK. Conservation. A critical crossroad for BLM's wild horse program.. Science 2013 Aug 23;341(6148):847-8.
    doi: 10.1126/science.1240280pubmed: 23970685google scholar: lookup
  9. National Research Council. Using science to improve the BLM wild horse and burro program: a way forward. Washington, D. C: National Academy of Science; p. 1–398; 2013.
  10. Clarke IJ, Cummins JT. The temporal relationship between gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in ovariectomized ewes.. Endocrinology 1982 Nov;111(5):1737-9.
    pubmed: 6751801doi: 10.1210/endo-111-5-1737google scholar: lookup
  11. Hazum E, Conn PM. Molecular mechanism of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) action. I. The GnRH receptor.. Endocr Rev 1988 Nov;9(4):379-86.
    doi: 10.1210/edrv-9-4-379pubmed: 2851440google scholar: lookup
  12. Molenaar GJ, Lugard-Kok C, Meloen RH, Oonk RB, de Koning J, Wensing CJ. Lesions in the hypothalamus after active immunisation against GnRH in the pig.. J Neuroimmunol 1993 Oct;48(1):1-11.
    pubmed: 8227303doi: 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90052-zgoogle scholar: lookup
  13. Curtis P, Richmond M, Miller L, Quimby F. Physiological effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunocontraception on white-tailed deer. Hum Wildl Confl 2008; 2: 35–46.
  14. Gionfriddo J, Denicola A, Miller L, Fagerstone K. Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white-tailed deer in New Jersey. Wildl Soc Bull 2011;35: 142–148.
  15. Powers JG, Baker DL, Davis TL, Conner MM, Lothridge AH, Nett TM. Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunization on reproductive function and behavior in captive female Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni).. Biol Reprod 2011 Dec;85(6):1152-60.
    pubmed: 21753192doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.088237google scholar: lookup
  16. Powers J, Monello R, Wild M, Spraker T, Gionfriddo J, Nett T, Baker D. Effects of GonaCon immunocontraceptive vaccine in free-ranging female Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). Wildl Soc Bull 2014;38: 650–656.
  17. Baker D, Powers J, Oehler M, Ransom J, Gionfriddo J, Nett T. Field evaluation of the immunocontraceptive GonaCon-B in free-ranging horses (Equus caballus) at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. J Zoo Wildl Med 44: S147.
  18. Miller LA, Gionfriddo JP, Fagerstone KA, Rhyan JC, Killian GJ. The single-shot GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon) in white-tailed deer: comparison of several GnRH preparations.. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008 Sep;60(3):214-23.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00616.xpubmed: 18782282google scholar: lookup
  19. Killian G, Kreeger TJ, Rhyan J, Fagerstone K, Miller L. Observations on the use of GonaCon in captive female elk (Cervus elaphus).. J Wildl Dis 2009 Jan;45(1):184-8.
    doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-45.1.184pubmed: 19204347google scholar: lookup
  20. Gionfriddo J, Eisemann J, Sullivan K, Healey R, Miller L, Fagerstone K. Field test of a single-injection gonadotrophin-releasing hormone immunocontraceptive vaccine in female white-tailed deer. Wildl Res 2009;36: 177–184.
  21. Miller LA, Rhyan JC, Drew M. Contraception of bison by GnRH vaccine: a possible means of decreasing transmission of brucellosis in bison.. J Wildl Dis 2004 Oct;40(4):725-30.
    doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-40.4.725pubmed: 15650090google scholar: lookup
  22. Killian G, Thain D, Diehl N, Rhyan J, Miller L. Four-year contraception rates of mares treated with single-injection porcine zona pellucida and GnRH vaccines and intrauterine devices. Wildl Res 2008;35: 531–539.
  23. Gray M, Thain D, Cameron E, Miller L. Multi-year fertility reduction in free-roaming feral horses with single-injection immunocontraceptive formulations. Wildl Res 2010;37: 475–481.
  24. Baker D, Powers J, McCann B, Oehler M, Bruemmer J, Galloway N. Gonadotropin releasing hormone vaccine (GonaCon-Equine) suppresses fertility in free-ranging horses (Equus caballus): limitations and side effects of treatment. 8th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control. Washington, DC; 2002. p. 111.
  25. Tizard I. An introduction to veterinary immunology 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 1982.
  26. Welborn LV, DeVries JG, Ford R, Franklin RT, Hurley KF, McClure KD, Paul MA, Schultz RD. 2011 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines.. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2011 Sep-Oct;47(5):1-42.
    pubmed: 21998907doi: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-4000google scholar: lookup
  27. Imboden I, Janett F, Burger D, Crowe MA, Hässig M, Thun R. Influence of immunization against GnRH on reproductive cyclicity and estrous behavior in the mare.. Theriogenology 2006 Nov;66(8):1866-75.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.04.038pubmed: 16780942google scholar: lookup
  28. Elhay M, Newbold A, Britton A, Turley P, Dowsett K, Walker J. Suppression of behavioural and physiological oestrus in the mare by vaccination against GnRH.. Aust Vet J 2007 Jan-Feb;85(1-2):39-45.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2006.00092.xpubmed: 17300452google scholar: lookup
  29. Botha A, Schulman M, Bertschinger H, Guthrie A, Annandale C, Hughes S. The use of a GnRH vaccine to suppress mare ovarian activity in a large group of mares under field conditions. Wildl Res 2008;35: 548–554.
  30. Kirkpatrick J, Turner A. Achieving population goals in a long-lived wildlife species (Equus caballus) with contraception. Wildl Res 2008;35: 513–519.
  31. Kirkpatrick JF, Lyda RO, Frank KM. Contraceptive vaccines for wildlife: a review.. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011 Jul;66(1):40-50.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01003.xpubmed: 21501279google scholar: lookup
  32. Rutberg A, Grams K, Turner J Jr, Hopkins H. Contraceptive efficacy of priming and boosting doses of controlled-release PZP in wild horses. Wildl Res 2017;44: 174–181.
  33. Massei G, Koon KK, Benton S, Brown R, Gomm M, Orahood DS, Pietravalle S, Eckery DC. Immunocontraception for managing feral cattle in Hong Kong.. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0121598.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121598pmc: PMC4391848pubmed: 25856283google scholar: lookup
  34. Gionfriddo J, Denicola A, Miller L, Fagerstone K. Health effects of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white-tailed deer in New Jersey. Wildl Soc Bull 2011;35: 149–160.
  35. Powers JG, Baker DL, Ackerman MG, Bruemmer JE, Spraker TR, Conner MM, Nett TM. Passive transfer of maternal GnRH antibodies does not affect reproductive development in elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) calves.. Theriogenology 2012 Sep 1;78(4):830-41.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.03.033pubmed: 22541328google scholar: lookup
  36. Killian G, Miller L, Ryan J, Dees T, Doten H. Evaluation of GnRH contraceptive vaccine in captive feral swine in Florida. Wildl Damage Management Conference. 2003. p. 128–133.
  37. Ransom J, Powers J, Garbe H, Oehler M, Nett T, Baker D. Behavior of feral horses in response to culling and GnRH immunocontraception. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014;157: 81–92.
  38. Laird W. The geology of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association 1950;17: 225–240.
  39. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). National Climate Data Center (NCDC), Federal Building, Ashville, North Carolina, USA. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2002.
  40. Hanson P, Hoffman G, Bjugstad A. The vegetation of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: a habitat type classification. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report 1984. Report No. RM–113.
  41. Bucca S, Fogarty U, Collins A, Small V. Assessment of feto-placental well-being in the mare from mid-gestation to term: transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonographic features.. Theriogenology 2005 Aug;64(3):542-57.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.011pubmed: 15993936google scholar: lookup
  42. Drost M, Thomas P. Disease of the reproductive system. In: Smith B, editor. Large Animal Internal Medicine 2nd Edition. 2nd ed Mosby-Year Book; 1996.
  43. Orenstein WA, Bernier RH, Dondero TJ, Hinman AR, Marks JS, Bart KJ, Sirotkin B. Field evaluation of vaccine efficacy.. Bull World Health Organ 1985;63(6):1055-68.
    pmc: PMC2536484pubmed: 3879673
  44. Weinberg GA, Szilagyi PG. Vaccine epidemiology: efficacy, effectiveness, and the translational research roadmap.. J Infect Dis 2010 Jun 1;201(11):1607-10.
    doi: 10.1086/652404pubmed: 20402594google scholar: lookup
  45. Dorai-Ray S. CRAN—Package binom [Internet]. Cran.r-project.org. 2014 [cited 31 March 2018]. Available from: https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=binom R package version 1.1.
  46. Nakazawa M. CRAN—Package fmsb [Internet]. Cran.r-project.org. 2017 [cited 31 March 2018]. Available from: https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=fmsb R package version 0.6.0.
  47. R Core Team. R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL https://www.R-project.org/. 2015.
  48. Waring G. Horse behavior. Noyes and William Andrew; 2003.
  49. Ransom J, Roelle J, Cade B, Coates-Markle L, Kane A. Foaling rates in feral horses treated with the immunocontraceptive porcine zona pellucida. Wildl Soc Bull 2011;35: 343–352.
  50. Ransom J, Cade B, Hobbs N. Influences of immunocontraception on time budgets, social behavior, and body condition in feral horses. App Anim Behav Sci 2010;124: 51–60.
  51. Ransom J, Cade B. Quantifying equid behavior–a research ethogram for free-roaming horses. 2009. U. S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 2-A9, 23p.
  52. Roelle J, Ransom J. Injection-site reactions in wild horses (Equus caballus) receiving an immunocontraceptive vaccine. 2009. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigation Report 2009–5038, 15p.
  53. Henneke DR, Potter GD, Kreider JL, Yeates BF. Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body fat percentage in mares.. Equine Vet J 1983 Oct;15(4):371-2.
    pubmed: 6641685doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1983.tb01826.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  54. Harville D. Maximum likelihood approaches to variance component estimation and to related problems. J Am Stat Assoc 1977;72: 320–328.
  55. DasGupta A, Cai T, Brown L. Interval estimation for a binomial proportion. Statist Sci 2001;16: 101–117.
  56. Bates D, Mäechler M, Bolker B, Walker S. Fitting linear mixed-effects models using lme4. J Stat Softw 2015;67: 1–48.
  57. Brinsko S, Blanchard T, Varner D, Schumacher J, Love C, Hinrichs K. Manual of equine reproduction 3rd Edition. Maryland Heights, Mo: Mosby/Elsevier; 2011.
  58. Card C, Hillman R. Parturition 1993. In: McKinnon AO, Voss JL. Equine reproduction. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger; 1993. pp. 567–573.
  59. Demas GE. The energetics of immunity: a neuroendocrine link between energy balance and immune function.. Horm Behav 2004 Mar;45(3):173-80.
    doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2003.11.002pubmed: 15047012google scholar: lookup
  60. Houston AI, McNamara JM, Barta Z, Klasing KC. The effect of energy reserves and food availability on optimal immune defence.. Proc Biol Sci 2007 Nov 22;274(1627):2835-42.
    pmc: PMC2373797pubmed: 17848371doi: 10.1098/rspb.2007.0934google scholar: lookup
  61. Garza F Jr, Thompson DL Jr, French DD, Wiest JJ, St George RL, Ashley KB, Jones LS, Mitchell PS, McNeill DR. Active immunization of intact mares against gonadotropin-releasing hormone: differential effects on secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.. Biol Reprod 1986 Sep;35(2):347-52.
    pubmed: 3094596doi: 10.1095/biolreprod35.2.347google scholar: lookup
  62. Miller LA, Gionfriddo JP, Fagerstone KA, Rhyan JC, Killian GJ. The single-shot GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon) in white-tailed deer: comparison of several GnRH preparations.. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008 Sep;60(3):214-23.
    pubmed: 18782282doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00616.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  63. Asa CS, Goldfoot DA, Ginther OJ. Assessment of the sexual behavior of pregnant mares.. Horm Behav 1983 Dec;17(4):405-13.
    pubmed: 6662519doi: 10.1016/0018-506x(83)90049-1google scholar: lookup
  64. Boulanger J, Curtis P. Efficacy of surgical sterilization for managing overabundant suburban white-tailed deer. Wildl Soc Bull 2016;40: 727–735.
  65. Powell DM. Preliminary evaluation of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraception for behavioral effects in feral horses (Equus caballus).. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 1999;2(4):321-35.
    doi: 10.1207/s15327604jaws0204_6pubmed: 16363936google scholar: lookup
  66. Nuñez C, Adelman J, Mason C, Rubenstein D. Immunocontraception decreases group fidelity in a feral horse population during the non-breeding season. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009;117: 74–83.
  67. Nuñez CM, Adelman JS, Rubenstein DI. Immunocontraception in wild horses (Equus caballus) extends reproductive cycling beyond the normal breeding season.. PLoS One 2010 Oct 26;5(10):e13635.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013635pmc: PMC2964306pubmed: 21049017google scholar: lookup
  68. Nuñez CMV, Adelman JS, Carr HA, Alvarez CM, Rubenstein DI. Lingering effects of contraception management on feral mare (Equus caballus) fertility and social behavior.. Conserv Physiol 2017;5(1):cox018.
    doi: 10.1093/conphys/cox018pmc: PMC6007543pubmed: 29977561google scholar: lookup
  69. Curtis PD, Pooler RL, Richmond ME, Miller LA, Mattfeld GF, Quimby FW. Comparative effects of GnRH and porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptive vaccines for controlling reproduction in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).. Reprod Suppl 2002;60:131-41.
    pubmed: 12220153
  70. McShea W, Monfort S, Hakim S, Kirkpatrick J, Liu I, Turner J. The effect of immunocontraception on the behavior and reproduction of white-tailed deer. J Wildl Manage 1997;61: 560–569.
  71. Heilmann T, Garrott R, Cadwell L, Tiller B. Behavioral response of free-ranging elk treated with an immunocontraceptive vaccine. J Wildl Manage 1998;62: 243–250.
  72. Turner A, Kirkpatrick JF. Effects of immunocontraception on population, longevity and body condition in wild mares (Equus caballus).. Reprod Suppl 2002;60:187-95.
    pubmed: 12220158
  73. Miller L, Crane K, Gaddis S, Killian G. Porcine zona pellucida immunocontraception: long-term health effects on white-tailed deer. J Wildl Manage 2001;65: 941–945.
  74. Walter W, Kilpatrick H, Gregonis M. Does immunocontraception improve condition of free-ranging female white-tailed deer?. J Wildl Manage 2003;67: 762–766.
  75. Conner M, Baker D, Wild M, Powers J, Hussain M, Dunn R. Fertility control in free-ranging elk using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide: effects on reproduction, behavior, and body condition. J Wildl Manage 2007;71: 2346–2356.
  76. Henneke D, Potter G, Kreider J. Body condition during pregnancy and lactation and reproductive efficiency. Theriogenology 1984;21: 897–909.
  77. Marlow C, Gagnon L, Irby L, Raven M. Feral horse distribution, habitat use, and population dynamics in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 1992. National Park Service, Final Report, Contract 1200–9–C818, p. 36.
  78. Westfall J Jr., Irby L, Norland J. A forage allocation model for four ungulate species in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 1993. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, p. 57.
  79. Irby LR, Norland JE, Westfall JA Jr, Sullivan MA. Evaluation of a forage allocation model for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.. J Environ Manage 2002 Feb;64(2):153-69.
    pubmed: 11995238doi: 10.1006/jema.2001.0514google scholar: lookup
  80. Miller LA, Fagerstone KA, Eckery DC. Twenty years of immunocontraceptive research: lessons learned.. J Zoo Wildl Med 2013 Dec;44(4 Suppl):S84-96.
    doi: 10.1638/1042-7260-44.4S.S84pubmed: 24437088google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 12 times.
  1. Subalusky AL, Sethi SA, Anderson EP, Jiménez G, Echeverri-Lopez D, García-Restrepo S, Nova-León LJ, Reátiga-Parrish JF, Post DM, Rojas A. Rapid population growth and high management costs have created a narrow window for control of introduced hippos in Colombia. Sci Rep 2023 Apr 16;13(1):6193.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33028-ypubmed: 37062768google scholar: lookup
  2. Massei G. Fertility Control for Wildlife: A European Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 27;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13030428pubmed: 36766317google scholar: lookup
  3. Pinkham R, Koon KK, To J, Chan J, Vial F, Gomm M, Eckery DC, Massei G. Long-term effect of a GnRH-based immunocontraceptive on feral cattle in Hong Kong. PLoS One 2022;17(8):e0272604.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272604pubmed: 35976896google scholar: lookup
  4. Pinkham R, Eckery D, Mauldin R, Gomm M, Hill F, Vial F, Massei G. Longevity of an immunocontraceptive vaccine effect on fecundity in rats. Vaccine X 2022 Apr;10:100138.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100138pubmed: 35024602google scholar: lookup
  5. Chang AM, Chen CC, Hou DL, Ke GM, Lee JW. Effects of a Recombinant Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Vaccine on Reproductive Function in Adult Male ICR Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021 Jul 21;9(8).
    doi: 10.3390/vaccines9080808pubmed: 34451933google scholar: lookup
  6. Novak S, Yakobson B, Sorek S, Morgan L, Tal S, Nivy R, King R, Jaebker L, Eckery DC, Raz T. Short Term Safety, Immunogenicity, and Reproductive Effects of Combined Vaccination With Anti-GnRH (Gonacon) and Rabies Vaccines in Female Feral Cats. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:650291.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.650291pubmed: 34041290google scholar: lookup
  7. Kim SW, Jo A, Im J, Lee HE, Kim HS. Expression analysis of miR-221-3p and its target genes in horses. Genes Genomics 2019 Apr;41(4):459-465.
    doi: 10.1007/s13258-018-00778-3pubmed: 30604147google scholar: lookup
  8. Fettelschoss-Gabriel A, Fettelschoss V, Olomski F, Birkmann K, Thoms F, Bühler M, Kummer M, Zeltins A, Kündig TM, Bachmann MF. Active vaccination against interleukin-5 as long-term treatment for insect-bite hypersensitivity in horses. Allergy 2019 Mar;74(3):572-582.
    doi: 10.1111/all.13659pubmed: 30402930google scholar: lookup
  9. Rutberg AT, Grams KA. Effects of Porcine Zona Pellucida Immunocontraception on Mare Body Condition and Foaling Season Length in Two Western Wild Horse Populations. Animals (Basel) 2024 Dec 9;14(23).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14233550pubmed: 39682515google scholar: lookup
  10. Pan F, Fu W, Zhang B, Han M, Xie H, Yi Q, Qian W, Cui J, Cao M, Li Y, Jia Y, Fang F, Ling Y, Li Y, Liu Y. Effects of Vaccination against Recombinant FSH or LH Receptor Subunits on Gonadal Development and Functioning Male Rats. Vet Sci 2024 Apr 15;11(4).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci11040176pubmed: 38668443google scholar: lookup
  11. Schulman ML, Hayes NK, Wilson TA, Grewar JD. Immunocontraceptive Efficacy of Native Porcine Zona Pellucida (pZP) Treatment of Nevada's Virginia Range Free-Roaming Horse Population. Vaccines (Basel) 2024 Jan 18;12(1).
    doi: 10.3390/vaccines12010096pubmed: 38250909google scholar: lookup
  12. Johnson AK, Jones RL, Kraneburg CJ, Cochran AM, Samoylov AM, Wright JC, Hutchinson C, Picut C, Cattley RC, Martin DR, Samoylova TI. Phage constructs targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone for fertility control: evaluation in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2020 Aug;22(8):685-695.
    doi: 10.1177/1098612X19875831pubmed: 31566070google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.