GonaCon^TM, a Versatile GnRH Contraceptive for a Large Variety of Pest Animal Problems

Authors

Lowell A. Miller, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Jack Rhyan, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, National Wildlife Research Center
Gary Killian, Penn State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

February 2004

Comments

Published by Proc. 21th Vertebr. Pest Conf. (R. M. Timm and W. P. Gorenzel, Eds.) Published at Univ. of Calif., Davis. 2004. Pp 269-273.

Abstract

As part of the program to develop contraceptive tools to control populations of over-abundant wildlife species, the NWRC has developed a single-injection gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive vaccine, GonaCon^TM. GonaCon^TM has been tested and shown to provide contraceptive effects lasting 1-3 years in many pest species including white-tailed deer, domestic and feral pigs, bison, wild horses, cats, dogs, and California ground squirrels. GonaCon contains a GnRH peptide conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin combined with AduVac^TM ,an adjuvant also developed at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center. Immunization against GnRH prevents the circulating GnRH from stimulating the release of pituitary luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. This process of immune-neutralization of GnRH effects a temporary non-surgical castration in both males and females. Contraceptive and behavioral effects of GonaCon are discussed for a variety of species.