VDACS Launches Black Vulture Depredation Permit Pilot Program to Assist Commonwealth’s Livestock Producers

September 27, 2022
VDACS Launches Black Vulture Depredation Permit Pilot Program to Assist Commonwealth's Livestock Producers
Program launched in partnership with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, as part of the Virginia Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program
Contact: Michael Wallace

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces a new program to assist livestock producers who are experiencing losses of livestock due to Black Vulture predation. The program will allow these livestock producers to obtain a permit to "take" up to five Black Vultures per year. Black Vulture attacks on livestock is recognized as a potentially serious threat to Virginia's livestock producers.

The program will be implemented through the Virginia Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program. This cooperative program, between VDACS and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, provides assistance to livestock producers who experience wildlife predation on their livestock. VDACS has obtained a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which authorizes the issuance of sub-permits to livestock producers.

Livestock producers in Virginia may apply for a sub-permit, which allows the lethal "take" of five Black Vultures per year. A sub-permit will be provided at no charge to the livestock producer. Producers wishing to take more than five Black Vultures must obtain their own individual depredation permit.

To qualify, livestock producers must have already implemented non-lethal, mitigating actions such as attempting to disperse the vultures through hazing solutions using light or sound, and best management practices to reduce attractants, such as open garbage, dead livestock, or outdoor feeding of domestic or wild animals.

Click here for additional information and instructions on how to apply or by contacting Chad Fox, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, at 540.381.7387.

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