| dc.description.abstract |
This presentation reviews multiple wildlife health considerations associatedwith contraception of wildlife, at the level of both the individual animal andwildlife population. Review of the literature demonstrates that manycontraceptives studied in the past have had potential adverse effectscharacterized as follows: harmful effects on pregnant animals, inhibition ofparturition or dystocia, changes in ovarian structure or function, changes insex ratio, changes in lactation or mammary glands, impact on fertility ofyoung, changes in testicular structure or function, changes in secondary sexcharacteristics, changes in bodyweight, changes in behaviour, changes inannual breeding season, other physiologic and pathologic changes, abscesses orinflammatory reactions, toxicity, interference with diagnostic tests andecological alterations. Concern is expressed that the use ofimmunocontraception could create genetic changes in the target population thatwould influence disease resistance. The use of infectious agents as vectors todeliver immunocontraceptives was not considered wise animal health managementbecause the product will be a new reproductive disease that could be difficultto contain within the target population. Criteria that need to be fulfilledfor the safe use of contraceptives in wildlife are offered. |
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