Discussion session: Is fertility control an option?
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 9(1) 61 - 64 This paper
focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa
and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife
management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species
are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis
familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are
reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of
economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and
other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage
caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal
methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures
require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in
managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to
fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an
appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of
problem animals in various habitats.