Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) researchers funded by the UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA) and supporters attained a world first for wildlife fertility control. Positive news for a programme aiming to find a non-lethal option for invasive grey squirrel management.
The multi-year research programme being delivered by APHA has resulted in a scientific breakthrough by achieving infertility in rats through free feeding of an oral immunocontraceptive – a world first. The research ultimately aims to develop a vaccine-based contraceptive and species-specific feeder to reduce grey squirrel numbers for the protection of UK red squirrels, trees and woodland ecosystems. The formula has also succeeded in achieving a reaction in grey squirrels and research is ongoing to refine the formula to increase effectiveness.
Fertility control is increasingly used around the world as a safe and non-lethal option to tackle wildlife problems. The APHA team is redesigning injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine technology, already used to manage other mammals, into an oral formula that can be delivered via feeding hoppers only accessible by grey squirrels. This contraceptive affects an animal’s immune system to prevent it creating the sex hormones and causes infertility in both males and females.
Posted On: 25/09/2025
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