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AZA Wildlife Contraception Center programme for wild felids and canids
1Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA. asa@stlzoo.org
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Wildlife contraception in zoos has shifted from melengestrol acetate (MGA) to GnRH agonist implants (Suprelorin®). Current recommendations pair Suprelorin® with megestrol acetate (MA) to prevent uterine pathology in wild felids and canids.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Management
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants were used for wild felid reproduction control since the 1970s.
- Concerns over MGA and other progestins causing uterine and mammary pathology in felids and canids led to a shift towards GnRH agonist implants (Suprelorin®).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of current wildlife contraception protocols.
- To investigate the association between GnRH agonist implants and uterine pathology in canids.
- To determine the optimal contraception strategy for wild canids and felids.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on contraceptive implants in wild felids and canids.
- Analysis of pathology findings in canids treated with Suprelorin® implants.
- Comparison of pathology in canids treated with Suprelorin® alone versus Suprelorin® with oral megestrol acetate (MA).
Main Results:
- A recent study indicated an association between Suprelorin® implants and uterine pathology in canids.
- This pathology was not observed in canids that received oral megestrol acetate (MA) for two weeks during implant insertion.
- The AZA Wildlife Contraception Center (WCC) now recommends Suprelorin® combined with a 2-week MA regimen.
Conclusions:
- The combined Suprelorin® and MA regimen is the current recommended contraception method for wild canids and felids.
- Ongoing WCC research focuses on factors influencing the reversibility of Suprelorin® implants.
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