Health Canada has given the green light for a birth control vaccine trial on free-roaming horses in Alberta. The Alberta government deems it necessary to control the horse population in certain areas to prevent negative impacts on grazing lands for cattle and wildlife. Contraception is part of the strategies outlined in the province’s feral horse management framework, along with removal and adoption options.
In late August, the Alberta government obtained a “research authorization” to use the SpayVac-Equid contraception vaccine on feral horses. Health Canada clarified that this authorization is for research purposes and not for general use. The government is currently reviewing the approval specifics related to horse contraception.
A recent feral horse survey in Alberta revealed a record-high count of 2,072 wild horses across six equine management zones, with some zones showing unsustainable population levels. The government views these horses as stray animals rather than wildlife.
A previous contraception pilot project in 2014, conducted by the province and the Wild Horses of Alberta Society, used a different vaccine called ZonaStat-H to control the horse population. However, the project highlighted challenges such as high costs and difficulties in administering booster shots due to rough terrain.
The new strategy involves capturing horses, administering the SpayVac-Equid vaccine manually, and releasing them back into the wild. This method, according to Wild Horses of Alberta Society president Jack Nichol, boasts a high success rate and does not require booster shots. The goal is to implement this contraception project in conjunction with other population control measures, such as capturing young stallions.
The Wild Horses of Alberta Society plays a significant role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and facilitating adoptions for horses, including those found on private properties. The society has taken in over 200 horses since its inception in 2002.