The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has approved the emergency use of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccine to protect the California condor population. The vaccination program is limited to protecting the condors, which APHIS describes as “critically endangered,” and will not involve commercial or backyard poultry.
APHIS decided to take the emergency action after having been approached by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) California condor was found dead in late March and then confirmed positive for HPAI at APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Since then, 20 more condors have died. Another four are recovering at a rehabilitation center. Of these condors, 15 have been confirmed with HPAI, including two of the four in recovery, according to a press release from APHIS. Read more