Texas A&M researchers are working on developing birth control for wildlife.
In the past, ranchers have dealt with animals such as feral hogs, coyotes, and deer in a lethal way. However, researchers at Texas A&M are currently working on oral contraceptives for animals, which would provide an alternate and more humane method of population control. Their focus is to prevent the egg from maturing, thus making impregnation impossible.
The oral contraceptive for animals is being developed for species of wildlife that ranchers consider a “nuisance.” However, Duane Kraemer, one of the university professors working on the new drug, believes it may also some day be utilized to control the breeding of pets.
How to help:
• Remember, currently there is no birth control option for pets, so it is important that you spay or neuter your companion animals. Find your town on the
Spay Texas website for a free or low-cost clinic near you. Not in Texas? Find pet sterilization resources by state
here.
• For more information about spay/neuter, see the
Spay/Neuter Fever! Community or view the many
Best Friends Spay/Neuter Resources.
For the rest of the story:
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Texas A&M Testing Oral Contraceptives for AnimalsPosted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network
Photo credit: public domain photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.