Contraception for Canada Geese Remains Under Utilized

PRESS RELEASE

 

Innolytics, LLC, the developer of OvoControl®, the contraceptive bait for resident Canada geese, pigeons and other birds, commented today on the underutilization of the technology by state and federal wildlife management agencies.

 

"While our new product for pigeons, OvoControl P, has experienced rapid growth and acceptance by municipalities and businesses, OvoControl G has not seen the same widespread use as a tool for goose population management.  State and federal agencies responsible for wildlife management have been very reluctant to test the new management tool", stated Erick Wolf, CEO of Innolytics.  "The federal government financed a large part of the research, so it is unfortunate that certain government agencies have been less than supportive of this non-lethal and humane alternative for goose control", added Wolf. 

 

Canada geese, even the resident variety, are considered a huntable species and many of the government programs encourage hunting the birds.  Unfortunately, resident birds are most often located in urban areas where hunting is not an option.  When not hunted, overpopulated geese are often trapped and euthanized by USDA Wildlife Services. 

 

Although untrained individuals may oil and addle eggs, contraception for geese is still limited to "licensed operators".  Since most personnel from state and federal wildlife management agencies hold the necessary license, this restriction should not hinder use by these agencies.  However, the need for special permits, and the extra fees involved have spurred the impression that the technology is too difficult and expensive to use.  On the contrary, the cost of an OvoControl G program, while requiring a few extra steps, is competitive with the costs of trapping and euthanizing the birds and is, of course, far more humane and socially acceptable. 

 

"Furthermore, in an attempt to keep contraceptive technology from the market, several states including New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois and Missouri have recently added legislation virtually banning the use of contraceptives in wildlife", added Wolf.  "It's a shame, but for whatever reason, birth control does not appear to figure into our governments' plan.  The reluctance to use contraceptive tools is apparently not only limited to geese.  Our understanding is that the new contraceptive for deer, GonaCon^TM, has also been avoided by the very same government agencies."