Livestock producers in Missouri face significant challenges due to the increasing population of Black vultures. These aggressive birds, while playing a crucial role in the ecosystem, pose a threat to small and vulnerable animals, including livestock. Effective management strategies are essential to mitigate the damage caused by these predators.
Tips for controlling nuisance Black vultures include proper disposal of dead animals, close monitoring of outdoor animals, and protection of vulnerable livestock during birthing periods.
Managing vegetation and utilizing trained guardian dogs, owl and hawk replicas, effigies, and non-harmful harassment techniques can also help deter vultures from establishing roosting sites.
To address vulture damage, livestock producers can contact the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services, who offer customized damage management plans. Additionally, the Missouri Farm Bureau provides depredation permits that allow a limited number of vultures to be taken annually.
Livestock producers affected by vulture attacks should document incidents and seek reimbursement through the Livestock Indemnity Program or the Missouri Department of Agriculture's necropsy reimbursement.
For more information on managing vulture damage and obtaining permits, contact the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services.
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock-Jaboticaba Images
Categories: Missouri, Livestock