Potential Use of Contraception for Managing Wildlife Pests in Australia

Authors

Mary Bomford
Peter O'Brien

Date of this Version

October 1993

Comments

Contraception in wildlife management. APHIS Technical Bulletin No. 1853. USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Washington, D.C., USA.

Abstract

There is an increasing level of interest in contraception to manage wildlife pests in Australia, due mainly to concerns over high recurrent costs, animal welfare, and the failure of current control techniques to prevent damage in some instances. We have developed criteria that need to be met for contraception to be successful for pest control:
• Technology exists to reduce fertility
• An effective delivery mechanism to treat wild animals exists.
• The end result of reduced animal damage is achieved.
• Effects are humane and nontoxic.
• Product is target specific, cost effective, and environmentally acceptable.