Health Canada has given the green light for a birth control vaccine trial on wild horses in Alberta. The Alberta government is concerned about the rising horse populations in certain regions, deeming them “unacceptable” as they impact grazing areas for livestock and wildlife. To manage the horse population, the province has outlined various strategies, including contraception, removal, and adoption.

In late August, Health Canada granted a “research authorization” for the use of the SpayVac-Equid contraception vaccine on feral horses. However, this authorization is solely for research purposes and not for general use. The Alberta government is currently examining the approval specifics related to horse contraception and is collaborating with stakeholders to implement management actions thoughtfully and based on scientific evidence.

A recent feral horse survey in Alberta identified 2,072 wild horses across six equine management zones, marking a record high count. Particularly in the Sundre, Ghost River, Elbow, and Clearwater zones, the population levels are deemed unsustainable. The Alberta government views the horses as stray animals rather than wildlife.

To address population control concerns, a new contraception pilot project is underway, featuring the administration of a different vaccine than past efforts. The previous program, which involved shooting wild horses with contraceptive darts, highlighted challenges such as high costs and difficulties in administering booster shots due to rugged terrains. The new strategy aims to capture horses, administer the vaccine manually, and release them back into the wild, with marked vaccinated horses for identification.

The Wild Horses of Alberta Society president, Jack Nichol, shared that the new method boasts a high success rate, lasting contraceptive effects for several years, and minimal disruption to herd dynamics. Unlike the previous contraceptive, the SpayVac-Equid does not require booster shots. The society intends to launch the contraception project in autumn as part of a comprehensive population control approach, including the capture and removal of select young stallions from the wild.

The Wild Horses of Alberta Society plays a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, furthering their commitment to preserving these animals and addressing population management concerns in collaboration with the provincial government.