Study on the perspective of non-lethal population control in capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) through reversible immunocontraceptive methods

Abstract

The super-population of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) represents a serious health risk in many urban areas in Brazil. This is due to their epidemiological importance as a potential host of zoonotic diseases, such as the current spread of the infectious disease of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, who's pathogen is the bacteria of the genus Rikettisa rickettsii, with a mortality rate of up to 40%, in conjunction, due to the lack of adequate vaccines. The associated key vector of Rickettsia is the Cayenne tick (Amblyomma cajennense) cohabiting the same areas like the capybara, that in turn, serve as the main feeding source during its life cycle. The immense resistant nature of capybaras to adverse environmental conditions, their high reproductive capacity, coupled with the facts of extreme reduction of natural predators, and the prohibition of their hunting, can quadruple its population in just one year in disturbed areas, increasing the risk of the disease-spread. In addition to the epidemiological risk, there are concerns about human-wildlife conflicts, such as damage to agriculture and traffic accidents. The objective of this work is, in the short-term; prove the efficiency of a reversible immunocontraception method, its prolonged effects, by a single-dose application, can be applied over long-distances, and its low-costs, imperative in wildlife management. Another advantage is the due to the blocking of the GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone), subsequently, the inhibition of the production of the gonadotrophin hormones and cessation of gametogenesis in both sexes, with no expected adverse effects. Thus, represents an appropriate solution in wildlife population control, while observing legal requirements, ethical, moral issues, and most importantly, ensures the overall health of wildlife population, and their genetics. (AU)