Research with Universities to Improve Fertility Control Tools and Methods
In its 2013 report to the BLM, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) found that no highly effective, easily delivered and affordable fertility-control methods were currently available for use on wild horses and burros. The most promising vaccine, PZP, is limited in the duration of its effectiveness (1-2 years).
The BLM released a solicitation for research projects to develop new or improve existing population growth suppression methods for wild horses. The following eight research projects were reviewed and recommended by an NAS panel of experts and are consistent with recommendations made to the BLM by its Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board.
1. Evaluation of a minimally invasive method of contraception in wild horse mares
Recipient: Oregon State University
Summary: A one-year project that will aim to develop a minimally invasive contraceptive procedure for wild horse mares that requires no incisions.
2. Evaluation of minimally invasive methods of permanent contraception in wild horse mares
Recipient: Oregon State University
Summary: A one-year project that will aim to develop a minimally invasive permanent contraception procedure for wild horse mares.
3. Evaluation of a spay method for wild horse mares
Recipient: University of Kentucky
Summary: A two-year project to develop a different approach to spaying mares.
4. Assessment of an existing spay procedure in wild mares as an acceptable method of contraception and wild horse population control
Recipient: Oregon State University
Summary: A six-month project that will determine whether an accepted spay procedure commonly used for domestic mares can be safely conducted on wild horses.
5. Re-immunization of Free-Ranging Horses with GonaCon Vaccine: Effects on Reproduction, Safety, and Population Performance
Recipient: Colorado State University
Summary: A two-year project will focus on further study of Gonocon, an approved and labeled contraceptive vaccine for equids.
6. Development and evaluation of a permanent contraceptive vaccine in mares
Recipient: Colorado State University
Summary: A two-year study to develop a new, permanent contraceptive vaccine for wild horse mares.
7. Improvements to long-lasting PZP vaccine delivery material for equids
Recipient: Ohio State University
Summary: A four-year project that will attempt to develop a new delivery capsule for porcine zona pellucida (PZP) – a temporary contraceptive currently used in some wild horse herds – that would increase the duration of the vaccine’s effectiveness.
8. Development of a new agent to reduce horse fertility
Recipient: Louisiana State University
Summary: A three-year project for the development of an injectable agent to control fertility in wild horses.