World's first vaccine to neuter dogs for a year is launched in Chile: Video

Described as the first of its kind globally, the vaccine prevents sexual behaviour and reproduction, according to its creators.

"This is the first vaccine of this type in the world for dogs," said Leonardo Saenz from the University of Chile's veterinary sciences faculty.

Saenz and his team have been developing the vaccine since 2009, and it began distribution in Chile this month. The vaccine stimulates antibodies to halt the production of sex hormones in both male and female dogs for a full year.

"This immunological product we designed has a similarity, let's say, to a hormone found in mammals, present in both males and females. Therefore, the generation of these antibodies binds to this natural, endogenous hormone and blocks it," Saenz explained. It prevents the hormone from having its effect, thereby stopping the hormone production cascade and sexual behaviour in animals.

The Egalitte vaccine has been patented in 40 countries, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and throughout the European Union. In Chile, the cost is $50 per injection.

Ivan Gutierrez, a 27-year-old student, took his dog Franchesco to a veterinary clinic in Santiago for the vaccine. "I didn't really want him to have the operation," he said. "So, I looked for a less invasive option that wouldn't affect him as much."

An alternative method of temporary sterilization involves inserting a hormonal implant under the skin, but Saenz cautioned that it can cause side effects. The new vaccine aims to provide a safer and reversible option for dog owners.