Contraception has gone to the coyotes (Canis latrans).
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are predators of livestock. Current management programs, primarily lethal control, are ineffective for long-term management of predation. Controlling reproduction of coyotes may reduce depredations if territory fidelity is maintained by breeding pairs. Surgical sterilization is successful in altering predatory behaviors of coyotes but may provide a challenge for field implementation. An alternative approach is the development of a one-time non-transferable chemical contraceptive. This research is investigating the efficacy of a single high dose treatment of a sustained release gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, deslorelin, on coyotes as a long term contraceptive. Male coyotes were administered 47 mg deslorelin subcutaneously. Preliminary data show full suppression of the reproductive axis for over 12 mo as indicated by complete absence of sperm.
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie,82071, USA. marjiem@uwyo.edu
Marjorie J
MJ
MacGregor
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie,82071, USA.
Elsey G
EG
Perkins
AZA Wildlife Contraception Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri, 63110, USA.
Cheryl
C
Asa
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie,82071, USA.
Donal C
DC
Skinner
D000818:Animals; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D046029:Coyotes / Q000502:physiology*; D004343:Drug Implants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011155:Population Control; D012621:Seasons; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D004343:Drug Implants; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate; D013739:Testosterone; C066438:deslorelin