scholarly journals Effects of a GnRH vaccine on the movement and activity of free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa)

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger J. Quy ◽  
Giovanna Massei ◽  
Mark S. Lambert ◽  
Julia Coats ◽  
Lowell A. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Oral Vaccine ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
And Control ◽  
Lethal Means

Context Fertility control is being promoted as a non-lethal means of managing wildlife populations. We recently evaluated a single-dose injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon™) on captive female wild boar for effectiveness and potential side effects; reproductive output was inhibited for 4–6 years, with no obvious detrimental effects on physiology and behaviour. Aims We injected individual free-living wild boar individuals with the fertility-control vaccine GonaCon™ to examine its effectiveness (measured as raised levels of GnRH antibodies) and looked for potential changes in movement and activity patterns. Methods We trapped, fitted telemetry devices to, and released wild boar individuals living in woodland in the West Midlands region of England between 2006 and 2010. We compared data on movements and activity among 10 adult females treated with the vaccine and 11 controls treated with saline only. We measured anti-GnRH antibody titres in six recaptured boar individuals as an indicator of the effectiveness of the vaccine. Key results Post-treatment GnRH antibody titres varied among the boar individuals; four of five treated sows resampled between 9 and 30 weeks post-injection had antibody titres high enough to block reproduction (detectable at 1 : 32 000–1 : 64 000 dilution). At least three treated females were pregnant at the time of vaccination; there was no subsequent evidence that the vaccine interfered with pregnancy. According to the distances moved per hour over a 24-h cycle and the daily activity cycle in relation to season, there were no differences in the behaviour of treated and control females that were likely to be biologically significant. The behaviour of two treated females monitored soon after vaccination and again 12 months later also showed no major differences. Conclusions Free-living wild boar responded to treatment with a 1.0-mL (1000 µg) dose of an anti-GnRH vaccine and no major adverse effects on activity and movement were subsequently detected. Implications Our results indicated that the vaccine could be more widely evaluated in the field against overabundant or nuisance populations. Such populations are increasingly found in urban areas and parks, where culling may not be an option. We suggest that further refinement of this approach for managing wild boar populations, including development of an oral vaccine, are warranted.

Effect of the GnRH vaccine GonaCon on the fertility, physiology and behaviour of wild boar

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 540 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Massei ◽  
D. P. Cowan ◽  
J. Coats ◽  
F. Gladwell ◽  
J. E. Lane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Social Rank ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Contraceptive Effectiveness ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Sequential Trials ◽  
And Control

Fertility control has the potential to be used as an attractive alternative to lethal methods for limiting population growth in overabundant species. This study tested the effectiveness and potential side effects of the single-dose gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine GonaCon on the physiology and behaviour of two groups of captive female wild boar in two sequential trials (Trial 1 and Trial 2). Following vaccination with GonaCon, data on contraceptive effectiveness were recorded as well as data on time budget, social rank, bodyweight, haematology and biochemistry. The concentration of GnRH-antibody titres peaked 2–6 weeks after vaccination and remained relatively high 12 weeks after vaccination. In Trial 1, all control females and none of the treated females gave birth. In Trial 2, faecal progesterone of treated females decreased to basal levels within a month of vaccination. No differences in time budget, social rank and blood parameters were observed between treated and control females. Bodyweight increased more in treated females than in controls. These results indicated that GonaCon can suppress reproduction of wild boar with no significant short-term effects on behaviour and physiology. GonaCon can be regarded as an effective, humane and safe contraceptive for managing wild boar populations.

scholarly journals Long-term effects of immunocontraception on wild boar fertility, physiology and behaviour

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Massei ◽  
Dave P. Cowan ◽  
Julia Coats ◽  
Fiona Bellamy ◽  
Roger Quy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Injection Site Reaction ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Sequential Trials

Context Fertility control appears as a publicly acceptable alternative to lethal methods for limiting population growth in wildlife. Recently developed single-dose immunocontraceptive vaccines have induced infertility in several mammals. However, the potential side-effects and the long-term effectiveness of these contraceptives have been poorly investigated. Aims We tested the long-term effectiveness and potential side-effects of the single-dose gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine GonaCon™ on captive female wild boar. Methods We carried out two sequential trials: Trial 1 (n = 6 GonaCon™-treated and 6 control wild boar) and Trial 2 which started two years later and replicated Trial 1. We assessed the effectiveness of GonaCon™ to cause infertility by measuring GnRH antibody titres, by monitoring the oestrous cycle through the concentration of faecal progesterone and by recording the sows’ reproductive output in the 4–6 years following treatment. We evaluated the potential side-effects by monitoring behaviour, bodyweight and haematological and biochemical variables. Key results GnRH-antibody titres decreased with time but were still detectable in all females six years after vaccination with a single dose of GonaCon™. In Trial 1 none of the treated females gave birth in the six years after vaccination. In Trial 2, progesterone indicated that two of the six treated females were cycling. One of the cycling treated females gave birth one year after vaccination; the other five, including the second cycling sow, did not reproduce in the four years following vaccination. We found no differences in bodyweight, haematology, biochemistry and behaviour and no obvious sign of injection site reaction. Conclusions GonaCon™ can suppress reproduction in wild boar with no long-term effects on behaviour and physiology. Therefore, GonaCon™ can be regarded as an effective and safe contraceptive for this species. Implications The lack of evidence of adverse effects and the longevity of effect of GonaCon™ suggest that this contraceptive could be now tested in field trials and in contexts where culling of overabundant populations of wild boar is unfeasible, illegal or unacceptable. These instances include urban areas, parks, and management of diseases where culling might cause social perturbation and result in increased disease transmission rates.

scholarly journals First Report of Echinococcus ortleppi in Free-Living Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1256
Author(s):  
Teresa Letra Mateus ◽  
Maria João Gargaté ◽  
Anabela Vilares ◽  
Idalina Ferreira ◽  
Manuela Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer ◽  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
One Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Free Living ◽  
First Report ◽  
Wildlife Reservoirs ◽  
First Time ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus Sensu Lato

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis that is prevalent worldwide. It is considered endemic in Portugal but few studies have been performed on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and their hosts. In this study, CE cysts are reported for the first time in a free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Portugal. The presence of the metacestodes in the liver of the wild boar was identified by morphological features, microscopic examination and molecular analysis. The sequencing of part of the DNA nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region revealed a G5 genotype that presently corresponds to Echinococcus ortleppi. This is the first report of E. ortleppi in Portugal and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, in Europe. These results suggest that wild boar may be a host of CE, namely, crossing the livestock–wildlife interface, which has important public health implications. Wildlife reservoirs must be taken into account as CE hosts and surveillance of game as well as health education for hunters should be implemented using a One Health approach, with implementation of feasible and tailor-made control strategies, namely, proper elimination of byproducts in the field.

scholarly journals A/H1N1 hemagglutinin antibodies show comparable affinity in vaccine-related Narcolepsy type 1 and control and are unlikely to contribute to pathogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lind ◽  
Ilaria Marzinotto ◽  
Cristina Brigatti ◽  
Anita Ramelius ◽  
Lorenzo Piemonti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Antigenic Determinant ◽  
Etiological Agent ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Antibody Affinity ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
And Control ◽  
Radiobinding Assay

AbstractAn increased incidence of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) was observed in Scandinavia following the 2009–2010 influenza Pandemrix vaccination. The association between NT1 and HLA-DQB1*06:02:01 supported the view of the vaccine as an etiological agent. A/H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA) is the main antigenic determinant of the host neutralization antibody response. Using two different immunoassays, the Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) and Radiobinding Assay (RBA), we investigated HA antibody levels and affinity in an exploratory and in a confirmatory cohort of Swedish NT1 patients and healthy controls vaccinated with Pandemrix. HA antibodies were increased in NT1 patients compared to controls in the exploratory (LIPS p = 0.0295, RBA p = 0.0369) but not in the confirmatory cohort (LIPS p = 0.55, RBA p = 0.625). HA antibody affinity, assessed by competition with Pandemrix vaccine, was comparable between patients and controls (LIPS: 48 vs. 39 ng/ml, p = 0.81; RBA: 472 vs. 491 ng/ml, p = 0.65). The LIPS assay also detected higher HA antibody titres as associated with HLA-DQB1*06:02:01 (p = 0.02). Our study shows that following Pandemrix vaccination, HA antibodies levels and affinity were comparable NT1 patients and controls and suggests that HA antibodies are unlikely to play a role in NT1 pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Status and Its Association with Childhood Obesity among Chinese Children Aged 6–17 Years

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2211
Author(s):  
Qian Gan ◽  
Peipei Xu ◽  
Titi Yang ◽  
Wei Cao ◽  
Juan Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Sugar Sweetened Beverage ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Chinese School ◽  
And Control

Objective: There is a remarkable growth in sugar-sweetened (SSB) production and obesity prevalence among school-aged children in China. This paper describes SSB consumption and its association with obesity among Chinese children aged 6–17 years in 2012. Methods: in total, 25,553 children aged 6~17 years enrolled in the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2010–2013 were included in this study. Data of SSB consumption frequency and quantity were obtained from a food frequency questionnaire, and the children’s nutritional status was assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between SSB consumption and obesity status. Results: SSB intake was estimated as 181.0 g/day, occurring 2.2 times/week. Older children, males, children from urban areas, and children with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to consume SSBs. Children who consumed SSBs 1~<5 times/week (11.7%) and >5 times/week (12.9%) were more likely to be overweight/obesity than those who consumed SSBs less than once/week. Conclusion: SSB consumption was common among Chinese school-aged children, especially among males, older children, and children from urban areas. High consumption of SSBs was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity. Actions and plans are required to reduce SSB consumption and control childhood obesity in China.

scholarly journals Antibody responses in buffalos immunized with Clostridium perfringens beta and epsilon toxoids

2001 ◽  
Vol 46 (No. 9–10) ◽  
pp. 241-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Rahman M ◽  
K. Baek B ◽  
T. Hong S ◽  
H. Lee J
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Titre ◽  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Humoral Immune Responses ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Group A ◽  
And Control

The antibody responses to toxoids were measured to investigate whether&nbsp;Clostridium perfringens&nbsp;beta and epsilon toxoids induced protective humoral immune responses in buffalos. Total of 24 buffalos were divided into 4 groups (n&nbsp;= 6), beta toxoid, epsilon toxoid, combination and control groups. These buffalo groups were administered each of the designated toxoids. Immunizations in the beta and epsilon toxoid groups induced strong antibody responses. The neutralizing antibody titres from the beta and epsilon toxoid groups were equally log101.2 on day 21 after inoculation whereas there was no antibody titre detected from the control group. A statistically significant (P&nbsp;&lt; 0.01) increase in antibody titre was observed from day 0 to day 14 and 21 after inoculation. The antibody production did not vary significantly due to day of inoculation and toxoid interactions.

scholarly journals Immune stimulation and antibody response of chicks to different doses/units of the Nigerian live infectious bursa disease vaccine

2021 ◽  
pp. 20-24
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Immune Stimulation ◽  
Viral Virulence ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
And Control ◽  
Higher Doses ◽  
Different Doses

Vaccination failure is one of the major constraints to disease control in poultry. To investigate Infectious bursa disease (IBD)-vaccination failures (frequently/globally reported), batches of the Nigerian live-vaccine were tested for viral units before vaccinating following chick-groups: 16 doses (65,536 units), 8 doses (32,768 units), 4 doses (6,384 units), 2 doses (8,192 units), 1 dose (4,096 units), 1:2 dose (2,048 units), 1:4 dose (1,024 units), 1:8 dose (512 units), 1:16 dose (256 units) and control. Each batch gave 4,096 viral units. Mean bursa weight/body weight ratios (immune stimulation) and mean antibody titres of the chick-groups were 47.40 ±5.45 and 51.20 ±7.83; 44.25 ±7.28 & 48.00 ±9.24; 45.25 ± 4.28 and 64.00 ± 0.00; 43.00 ±7.58 and 101.60 ± 35.05; 44.60 ± 5.51 and 128.00 ± 0.00; 42.60 ± 6.23 and 268.80 ± 16.00; 40.50 ± 1.76 and 80.00 ±16.00; 31.40 ± 3.80 and 80.00 ± 27.71; 37.18 ± 4.07 and 89.60 ± 15.68 and 26.20 ± 3.31 and 19.20 ± 5.99, respectively. Half (2,048 units) of the recommended 1-dose gave optimal antibody-titre. The higher doses gave lower antibody-titres like the lower doses but immune stimulation continued to increase as doses/units increased. Both over-stimulating the immune system (too high vaccine-doses/viral-units/viral-virulence) and under-stimulation cause vaccination failure.

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