Health Canada has given the green light for a birth control vaccine to be tested on free-roaming horses in Alberta, according to official sources. The Alberta government has highlighted concerns about the escalating horse populations in certain areas of the province, deeming them as “unacceptable” levels. This move comes as part of efforts to manage horse populations, ensuring they do not exert excessive pressure on grazing lands designated for cattle and wildlife.
An integral component of the province’s feral horse management framework includes the use of contraception, alongside strategies such as relocation and adoption programs for population control. Health Canada confirmed that a “research authorization” was granted to the Alberta government in late August for the experimentation of the contraception vaccine SpayVac-Equid on feral horses. However, it is essential to note that this authorization is solely for research purposes and not for widespread use.
The Alberta government is currently in the process of reviewing the specifics of the approved contraception method for horses. The aim is to collaboratively implement management actions that are safe, humane, and grounded in scientific principles. Presently, the focus remains on data collection and adoption initiatives as part of the ongoing efforts.
Recent surveys conducted by the province revealed a record-high count of 2,072 wild horses across Alberta’s six equine management zones this year. Of particular concern are the population levels in zones like Sundre, Ghost River, Elbow, and Clearwater, which are deemed unsustainable from an ecological standpoint. The government classifies these horses as stray animals rather than wildlife.
In a bid to enhance previous attempts at population control, a new strategy is being launched by the province in collaboration with the Wild Horses of Alberta Society. This initiative builds upon a contraception pilot project initiated in 2014, which utilized a different vaccine called ZonaStat-H. The project highlighted challenges such as high costs, terrain complexities hindering booster shot administration, and the need for a significant portion of the female horse population to be effectively treated for noticeable population reduction.
The current plan involves capturing horses, manually administering the vaccine, and releasing them back into the wild, with marked vaccinated horses for future identification. This new method is reported to have a success rate of 85 to 95 percent, providing contraception for three to four years without altering herd dynamics. Unlike its predecessor, the SpayVac-Equid does not necessitate booster shots.
The Wild Horses of Alberta Society president, Jack Nichol, emphasized the importance of this new approach in maintaining horse populations without resorting to drastic measures. The upcoming contraception project aims to commence this fall as part of a comprehensive population control strategy, which also includes the capture and removal of a limited number of young stallions from the wild.
Nichol underscored the government’s commitment to managing horse populations to meet the diverse needs of land users while striving to maintain harmony among stakeholders. The Wild Horses of Alberta Society continues its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and facilitating adoptions for horses in need, with over 200 horses assisted since its inception in 2002.