By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Working alongside Purdue University, USDA Wildlife Services, and the HEEKE Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Southern Indiana, Dr. Matthew Springer, Assistant Extension Professor of Wildlife Management at UK, is requesting any producer who believes they lost a calf or other livestock animal to black vultures and is willing to donate that animal to research please reach out to him or their local Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent. The goal of the project is to determine the characteristics of an animal killed by a black vulture verse one that is just scavenged on. This research should help inform any indemnity loss applications through the Farm Service Agency. Animals that are known to be depredated by vultures, where producers saw a live calf being attached are especially important. Animals will be picked up and eventually taken to the HEEKE Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to be examined and fully necropsied and injuries cataloged to determine the features that define a vulture attack. Given the extensive nature of the necropsy, the carcasses need to be in good shape and preferably found within 24 hours of the attack. If you have any questions or an animal you think qualifies, please contact your local ANR Extension agent immediately or you can reach out directly to Dr. Springer at mattspringer@uky.edu.
For more information contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.