The Colorado Horse Development Authority (CHDA) recently chose to co-sponsor a study funded by Morris Animal Foundation on finding a fertility vaccine to help control wild horse populations. The research is being conducted at Colorado State University.
The mission of the Colorado Horse Development Authority is to promote and sustain the growth and development of the horse industry.
By sponsoring an equine health study through Morris Animal Foundation, the Authority hopes to contribute to finding a safe, effective way for authorities to help control the wild horse population in the U.S.
There is widespread concern that overabundant free-range horse populations are altering natural plant communities and reducing forage areas for native wildlife and domestic livestock. Federal and state land management agencies have tried to reduce herds by periodically rounding up horses to adopt out or sell, but these efforts are inadequate and expensive and have resulted in injuries to both animals and humans.
Controlling the fertility of free-range female horses may be more cost-effective and humane, but current contraceptives have limited effectiveness and cause undesirable side effects. Researchers will administer a hormone contraceptive vaccine to induce infertility in female horses and will then evaluate its effect on reproductive and social behaviors in free-ranging horses. If results are positive, the contraceptive could provide a safe and effective tool for managing wild horses on public rangelands.
The Colorado Horse Development Authority seeks organizations to partner with and find solutions to industry concerns. “As CHDA evaluates how it can best serve the growth of industry and equine community” , says Executive Director, Bill Scebbi, “It is important to be working with and maintaining relationships with groups like Morris Animal Foundation and CSU.” “These organizations are leaders in their field and understand the importance of projects that help control wild horse populations. They are good at what they do!”
About CHDA: The mission of the Colorado Horse Development Authority (CHDA) is to promote and sustain the growth and development of the stat’s horse industry. CHDA was created by the Colorado State Legislation to manage and distribute the Horse Promotion Assessment funds collected as a portion of brand inspection fees. For further information visit our website at http://www.CHDA.org.