Contraception for animal welfare reasons

Zebras In The Wild

Contraception in animals is typically used to control reproduction, particularly in wild animals in captivity, where space limitations or genetic overrepresentation can be a concern.

Long-term Contraception for Older Animals

Contraception is a tool in wild animal reproduction, which aims normally at limiting reproduction. Space limitations or genetic overrepresentations are reasons for preventing wild animals in captivity from getting offspring. Yet, contraception may have another purpose, specifically in animals beyond their breeding age. Female rhinoceros, elephants or primates with reproductive tumour diagnosis may also become candidates for long-term contraception. Growths of tumours of the reproductive organs in wildlife species is sex-steroid hormone depended. In such patients, long-term contraception aims at down regulating the remaining hormone production for preventing further tumour growth or even malignant metastasis. In Indian or white rhinoceros e.g. contraception with Improvac® prevents further genital tumour growth and may avert general tumour metastasis. Side effects of such immuno-contraception, local reactions at the injection site or systemic reactions after immunization need to be weighed. The decision for a live-time contraception might be animal welfare relevant. If you are uncertain if your aged female has reproductive tumours that might require a long term down regulation of sex-steroid production, please contact us.

genital tumour rhino

References:

Ovarian down Regulation by GnRF Vaccination Decreases Reproductive Tract Tumour Size in Female White and Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses. Hermes R, Schwarzenberger F, Göritz F, Oh S, Fernandes T, Bernardino R, Leclerc A, Greunz E, Mathew A, Forsyth S, Saragusty J, Hildebrandt TB. Plos ONE 2016: 11(7); e0157963.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157963