Health Canada has given the green light for a birth control vaccine to be trialed on free-roaming horses in Alberta. The Alberta government has expressed concerns about horse overpopulation in certain areas, deeming it “unacceptable” due to its impact on grazing lands for cattle and wildlife. As part of the province’s feral horse management framework, contraception has been identified as a key strategy, alongside options like removal and adoption.
In late August, Health Canada granted a “research authorization” for the use of the SpayVac-Equid contraception vaccine on feral horses in Alberta. However, this approval is specific to research purposes and not for general application. The Alberta government is currently reviewing the specifics of the approval and plans to implement management actions in a safe and science-based manner.
A recent feral horse survey revealed a record high of 2,072 wild horses across six equine management zones in Alberta this year. The province categorizes these horses as stray animals rather than wildlife. To address the population issue, a new approach will involve capturing horses, administering the vaccine manually, and releasing them back into the wild, with vaccinated horses being marked for identification in the future.
The Wild Horses of Alberta Society, in collaboration with the provincial government, aims to launch this contraception project in the coming months. The method is expected to have a high success rate and prevent conception for several years without altering herd dynamics. Unlike previous contraceptive methods, the SpayVac-Equid vaccine does not necessitate booster shots.
The overarching goal is to control horse populations effectively while maintaining harmony among land users. The Wild Horses of Alberta Society plays a crucial role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses that stray onto private property. Since its inception in 2002, the society has provided care for over 200 horses.