Physiological Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Immunocontraception on White-Tailed Deer

Authors

Paul D. Curtis, Cornell UniversityFollow
Milo E. Richmond, Cornell University
Lowell A. Miller, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Research Center
Fred W. Quimby, Rockefeller University

Abstract

Before immunocontraceptives can be considered safe to use on wildlife species, potential health risks should be assessed. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive has successfully reduced fertility of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); however, associated deer physiology has rarely been examined. We conducted gross necropsy examinations, histology, and blood chemistry comparisons on euthanized deer previously vaccinated with immunogenic GnRH (n = 18 females and n = 4 males), or left as untreated controls (n = 7 females and n = 6 males). Granulomas were found at injection sites of most deer, even 3 years post-treatment. There were no significant differences in ovary (F_2,22 = 0.31, P = 0.73), or pituitary weights (F_2,22 = 0.30, P = 0.75) between treatment groups. Ovaries from control females had signifi cantly more secondary follicles (F_2,21 = 20.56, P ≤ 0.001), but not Graafian follicles (F_2,22 = 2.22, P = 0.13). Immunized males had significantly lower mean testes weights, a number of morphologic abnormalities, and varying degrees of aspermatogenesis with fewer mature spermatozoa. We do not recommend treating male deer with anti-GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccines.

Recommended Citation

Curtis, Paul D.; Richmond, Milo E.; Miller, Lowell A.; and Quimby, Fred W. (2008) "Physiological Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Immunocontraception on White-Tailed Deer," Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/jc83-pa25
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol2/iss1/14