Vulture Attacks Eat Away Income for Livestock Producers

Feb 15, 2021

By Judy Mae Bingman

Vultures can be costly to livestock producers, but as federally-protected migratory birds, their control is complicated. Estimates place the annual loss to livestock producers at $300,000 to $500,000.

USDA reports from 2015 indicate that 24,600 calf deaths and another 2,170 cow deaths were due to vultures. The Farm Journal reported in 2019 that vulture attacks are escalating in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

To help producers understand the regulations and options available to protect livestock, the Illinois Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services Program are offering a free informational webinar from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Register at bit.ly/3rkjWyN.

“There are certain things that can be done, including clearing dead trees and tree limbs, ensuring any carcasses are properly buried or removed, and using ‘bird bombs’ or loud noises to keep them from gathering," says Tasha Bunting, Illinois Farm Bureau associate director of commodities and livestock programs "Still, because they’re a protected species, we want to make sure farmers know exactly what can and can’t be done.”

If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email Tbunting@ilfb.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Source : illinois.edu

Video: Season 6, Episode 6: The Science Behind Sudden Sow Deaths

Recent necropsies have revealed new insights into unexplained sow deaths, helping producers better understand the causes behind these losses. A recent study led by Laura Solis, a graduate student at Iowa State University, examined why these deaths occur, many around farrowing. In some cases, animals were sent to the lab for further analysis, as discussed by Dr. Marcelo Almeida, assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. The episode also features Dr. Chris Rademacher, clinical professor and swine extension veterinarian as well as associate director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, who asks questions of what seasonal factors there were and management strategies that can influence herd health outcomes.