Feral Equids

The iUPOD®, designed for use in mares, represents a humane solution and promising means of a long-term, drug-free reversible contraceptive for feral Equids: Donkeys; Mustangs; Brumbies; and Kaimanawas.

Pasture-bred and Artificial Insemination pilot studies in the USA and Australia showed the iUPOD® (40x16 mm; 18.9 g ; 3.8 newtons of magnetic force) contraceptive efficacy of 100% in mares. Infertility is essentially immediate after intravaginal device insertion. The devices used in these studies were plain i.e., drug-free and copper-free. Reversibility was observed within 30 days (second cycle) post-device retrieval - USA study. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in iUPOD® mares than control mares - Australian study. Due to its ergonomics and self-assembling features, the device can be inserted in open mares at any stage of the estrous cycle. Therefore, it is potentially suited for once-in-a lifetime i.e., 12-15 years, or the reproductive life span of most feral horse populations - catch and release scenarios. Satellite tracking is a realistic prospect.

Note: iUPOD® should not be used as a contraceptive in domestic equids.

Wildlife

The potential use of this device is not restricted to equids. Inert non-medicated, copper iUPOD®s could potentially be used in other mammalian species as a reversible contraceptive device. For example, it can be used in elephants to control fertility in specific scenarios. For example, at first calving, iUPOD®s can be inserted to prevent further pregnancies if needed. Other applications to consider are in human-wildlife conflicts such as with baboons, lions and feral camels.