Evaluation of a single-shot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive vaccine in captive badgers

• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1296-0
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01T16:03:07Z
• Authors: Dave Cowan; Graham C Smith; Matt Gomm; Matt Brash; Fiona Bellamy; Giovanna Massei; Rachael Conwell; Flavie Vial
• Keywords: Single shot

GonaCon, a single-shot injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine targeting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), has been tested in key mammal species UK and shown to be safe method reduce population size areas of high human wildlife conflict. Badgers exhibit an unusual reproductive physiology that females may maintain fertilised eggs dormant blastocysts at any time year delay their implantation until winter. It is thus necessary evaluate consequences delayed timing vaccination on effectiveness GonaCon for fertility control female badgers. We found June had immediate effect indicators monitored inhibited subsequent cub production following year, while November no effect. Further results suggest optimal window badgers could as narrow between August. The longer-term appears reflect maintenance anti-GnRH antibody titres or above putative threshold titre 1:128,000, higher than reported other (1:64,000). While it possible using larger dose (> 1 mL) might lead longer lasting effects, this study shows would need repeated least every 2 years order levels infertility predicted have demographic impacts badger populations. Overall, negative welfare were observed vaccinated indicating potential tool management conflicts involving