VDACS Renews USDA Black Vulture Depredation Permit to Aid Virginia Livestock Producers

What this means

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Official release

News Release

October 7, 2026

VDACS Renews USDA Black Vulture Depredation Permit to Aid Virginia Livestock Producers

Virginia livestock producers can apply for a sub-permit through VDACS to help protect herds from

Black Vulture predation

Richmond, Va. – Black Vulture attacks on farm animals, particularly

newborn calves, lambs, and kids, are recognized as potentially serious threats to Virginia’s livestock

producers. To aid the state’s livestock farmers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer

Services (VDACS) has renewed its Black Vulture depredation permit through the United States Fish and

Wildlife Service (FWS). VDACS works with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services to administer sub-permits to help livestock

producers minimize the impacts of Black Vulture predation.

Livestock producers can apply for a Black Vulture predation sub-permit, at no charge, which allows for

the lethal “take” of up to five Black Vultures per year. To qualify, livestock producers must have already

implemented non-lethal, mitigating actions, such as attempting to disperse the vultures using light or

sound. Producers should also implement best management practices to reduce attractants, such as properly

disposing of garbage and dead livestock.

Applicants must agree to follow all master depredation permit and sub-permit requirements listed by FWS

in the VDACS statewide permit. Producers wishing to take more than five Black Vultures must obtain their

own individual depredation permit directly from FWS.

To apply for a Black Vulture depredation sub-permit and for more information on the sub-permit

requirements, please contact Chad Fox with the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services at 540-381-7387 or email at chad.j.fox@usda.gov.

Release text attributed to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.