August 21, 2025

VDACS Renews FWS Black Vulture Depredation Permit
~ Virginia livestock producers can apply for a sub-permit to help protect their herds ~

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). Black Vulture attacks on farm animals, particularly newborn calves, lambs, and kids, are recognized as potentially serious threats to Virginia’s livestock producers. VDACS works with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services to administer the permit and to help livestock producers minimize the impacts of Black Vulture predation.

The Black Vulture depredation permit authorizes VDACS to issue sub-permits to livestock producers who are experiencing Black Vulture predation. Livestock producers can apply for the sub-permit, at no-charge, which allows 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.