ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Single-Shot GnRH Immunocontraceptive Vaccine (GonaCon™) in White-Tailed Deer: Comparison of Several GnRH Preparations

Problem  An effective, single-injection, multi-year, GnRH contraceptive agent is needed to control reproduction in overabundant white-tailed deer populations. Method of study  Two GnRH conjugates, GonaCon™ (GnRH–KLH) and GonaCon-B™ (GnRH–blue protein), were prepared in emulsion form as one-injection and two-injection immunocontraceptive vaccine formulations. In addition, the GnRH–KLH protein conjugate was lyophilized and suspended in AdjuVac™ adjuvant to produce a fifth vaccine formulation. Each formulation was administered to a group of five captive adult female white-tailed deer. Reproductive performance of treated female deer was monitored for 5 years to determine the comparative efficacy of the various treatments. Results  The longevity of the contraceptive response (2–5 years) was strongly influenced by the design of the conjugate antigen, the adjuvant used, and the delivery form of the vaccine. Conclusion  One-injection and two-injection formulations of GonaCon™ and GonaCon-B™ produced multi-year contraception in adult female white-tailed deer. GonaCon-B™ provided a longer lasting contraceptive effect.