Advancing Wild Horse Fertility Control

Advancing Humane Population Management for Wild Horses

Fertility control is a humane and scientifically proven method for managing wild horse populations. Through rigorous research and implementation, AWHC is leading the way in promoting fertility control as an effective alternative to inhumane roundups. Discover the science behind fertility control and how it benefits wild horse populations.

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The Science of Fertility Control

Learn about the research and scientific principles that support fertility control as a humane population management strategy.

Understanding Fertility Control

Fertility control involves the use of vaccines like PZP (Porcine Zona Pellucida) to prevent pregnancy in wild mares. The vaccine induces an immune response that blocks fertilization, effectively reducing population growth without affecting natural behaviors or social structures.

Proven Effectiveness

Over 30 years of scientific research supports the effectiveness of PZP as a fertility control method. Studies have shown that PZP has a success rate of over 90% in preventing pregnancies, making it a reliable and humane alternative to traditional population control methods.

Safety and Welfare

Research has demonstrated that PZP is safe for wild mares, with no long-term health effects. The vaccine does not interfere with hormone levels or natural behaviors, ensuring that treated horses continue to live and interact normally within their herds.

Cost-Effectiveness

Fertility control is not only humane but also cost-effective. The cost of administering PZP is significantly lower than the expenses associated with roundups, long-term holding facilities, and the care of captured horses. This makes fertility control a sustainable solution for managing wild horse populations.

Marlon Reis
Kaitlynn Carter
Suzanne Roy
Scott WIlson
American Wild Horse Conservation is a national leader in using fertility control to keep Wild Horse populations from increasing to the point where the BLM historically employs roundups and removals. I am beyond grateful for this amazing organization’s leadership and participation, without which the [Colorado] Wild Horse Project would not have come to fruition.
Marlon Reis
First Gentleman of Colorado
I wanted to get involved with AWHC when I saw videos of wild horses getting rounded up by helicopters. These animals are majestic in the wild; seeing them forced into captivity is heartbreaking and cruel. The government can do better, and I’m looking forward to educating the American public and working to keep wild horses in the wild.
Kaitlynn Carter
Ambassador
American Wild Horse Conservation is more than a campaign. We are reforming wild horse and burro protection across the American West, expanding protected natural habitats in places like Fish Springs, Nevada, and setting the conservation standard through the world’s leading wild horse fertility control initiative. We have a new model for wild horse protection through conservation.
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
There are currently 62,000 wild horses and burros in long term holding. This year, the BLM intends to remove an additional 20,000 from public rangelands, with the North Lander animals to account for 14% of those.
Scott WIlson
Director of Strategy and Awareness

Take Action

Support Our Work

Your involvement is key to safeguarding wild horses and burros.

Donate to Support Our Work

Your contribution helps fund our advocacy, litigation, and protection initiatives.

Contact Your Legislators

Urge your representatives to support policies that help protect wild horses and burros.

Volunteer with AWHC

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a direct impact.

Our Commitment to Fertility Control Research

Discover how AWHC is leading efforts to research and implement humane fertility control methods for wild horses.

Pioneering Research Programs

AWHC supports and conducts pioneering research on fertility control to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Our research programs involve collaboration with leading scientists and institutions to advance the understanding and application of fertility control methods.

  • Scientific Collaboration: Partnering with top researchers and institutions
  • Field Studies: Conducting research on the ground to monitor effectiveness
  • Data Collection: Gathering data to inform and refine fertility control practices
  • Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating research findings to the public and policymakers

Implementation and Monitoring

AWHC is actively involved in the implementation and monitoring of fertility control programs. By administering PZP to wild mares and tracking their health and behavior, we ensure the success and sustainability of these programs.

  • Field Implementation: Administering PZP to wild mares
  • Health Monitoring: Tracking the health and behavior of treated horses
  • Program Evaluation: Assessing the success and impact of fertility control initiatives
  • Continuous Improvement: Refining practices based on research findings

Advocacy and Education

AWHC advocates for the adoption of fertility control as a standard practice in wild horse management. Through education and outreach, we aim to raise awareness about the benefits of fertility control and encourage its widespread use.

  • Policy Advocacy: Promoting fertility control in legislation and management plans
  • Public Education: Informing the public about the science and benefits of fertility control
  • Community Outreach: Engaging with communities to support fertility control efforts
  • Training Programs: Providing training for field personnel and volunteers

Stay Informed and Take Action

Learn how AWHC is actively implementing solutions to protect wild horses and burros, ensuring their well-being and preserving their natural habitats.