Conservation biologist Bill Swanson from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was part of a team that developed and tested a new and simpler method of contraception using gene therapy.
A cat from the feral colony living on the Cranbrook, B.C., campus of the College of the Rockies.
Managing feral cat populations has posed challenges in many communities across Canada.
"It's really important to note that the gene isn't incorporated into the DNA of the cat.
Lower costs for controlling feral populations would decrease the risk of the animals spreading disease and attacking wildlife.
The technology is new and will have to be commercialized before it can be used widely to manage cat populations.
But Ellis thinks it could have potential as a humane way to manage unowned cat populations. »
