Black vultures increase in population could affect livestock in Missouri

MISSOURI (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture says black vultures are increasing in population and their aggressive nature can cause problems for livestock farmers in Missouri.

The turkey vulture is more common and less-aggressive, black vultures are known to gang up and prey on newborn livestock.

They can attack cows that are ill or giving birth. While they feed on dead animals, they can kill small to medium sized animals.

Black vultures leave characteristic evidence of their depredation.

They can inflict damage to livestock by plucking out eyes, disemboweling, or eating tongues of newborn and sick animals.

Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

So, you can’t harm or damage their nest or eggs.

However, you may request a permit to get rid of the vultures on your property.  Permits are free and producers can obtain up to five annually.

You can also be reimbursed for damages black vultures caused to livestock.

• Apply to the Livestock Indemnity Program through your local USDA Farm Service Agency for the cost of the animal. Payment rates vary by species and age of the animal.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a black vulture necropsy reimbursement process in place. The necropsy must be performed by a licensed veterinarian (or a USDA-APHIS official) within 24 hours of finding the deceased animal.

Listed below are tips the Department of Agriculture gives to help keep black vultures away from your livestock.

• Pen birthing livestock near human activity to enable closer observation and a quicker response to problem situations or keep expectant animals in pastures nearest to people.
• Condense birthing time frame, so animals can be monitored closely.
• Place black vulture effigies (replicas) around calving areas to scare away live vultures. Hang them by their feet and suspend in the air, so they can be seen from a distance.
• Harass and scare black vultures away from your herds or flocks. Examples: create loud noises (horns, starter pistols, shell crackers, propane cannons), spray water, and point lasers at the roost.
• Use a guard dog to frighten and chase away black vultures.