TESTING THE CONCEPT OF VIRALLY VECTORED IMMUNOSTERILISATION FOR THE CONTROL OF WILD RABBIT AND FOX POPULATIONS IN AUSTRALIA

Virally vectored immunosterilisation is a concept whereby a gene encod ing an antigen from an animal's reproductive system is inserted into a virus and, during infection, stimulates the formation of antibodies t o that antigen such that the animal is rendered infertile. There is go od evidence that certain proteins from sperm or egg when introduced pa renterally will induce infertility. This paper summarises the work of the Cooperative Research Centre for the Biological Control of Vertebra te Pest Populations and reviews progress toward the isolation of the g enes for gamete antigens from rabbits and foxes and their introduction into suitable viral vectors as a means of control of these pests in A ustralia.