Vulture-Condor Vaccine News
The Carolina Raptor Center is proud to partner with private, state, and federal organizations to host an emergency vaccine trial to help protect critically endangered California Condors from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Read our national press release and check back on this page where further updates will be added as available. Media requests can be made to Erin Katzner at [email protected].
Below you can find information and photos on the activities of the trial, the collaborative partners who have made this all possible, and information on the Carolina Raptor Center’s facility and mission. We will be updating this information throughout the trial when we can, so please check back for more details! Any donations made today go directly to supporting this trial and other raptor conservation efforts made by our rehabilitation staff and facility.
Fast Facts
- In April, at least 17 California Condors die from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
- The Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) agrees to host vaccine trial
- On May 3, CRC welcomed 28 Black Vultures with the help of regional partners
- On May 16, 20 Black Vultures receive the first vaccine dose, 8 Black Vultures are the control group
- Over several days of monitoring, CRC staff observe no negative reactions at injection sites
- On June 6, 10 Black Vultures receive second vaccine dose and blood is drawn from all 28 Black Vultures to analyze titer response
Carolina Raptor Center
For nearly 50 years, the Carolina Raptor Center has been on a mission to ignite imaginations and inspire engagement in the natural world through the exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. We do this through rehabilitation work at our hospital, hosting over 30 raptor exhibits on our Raptor Trail, and providing educational events to thousands of youths in the region both onsite and on location.
Typically, our hospital and raptor rescue facility is closed to the public, which is why we are proud to offer this behind-the-scenes look at our incredible staff. Our rehabilitation staff has been working closely with raptors for decades not only providing bird care, but also collecting data, creating health care protocols, and participating in international organizations advancing best practices in avian training, conservation, and education.
The knowledge and experience of our rehabilitation facility radiates through our outreach educational programs and onsite Raptor Trail experiences. Our staff has created fun and innovative programming for visitors of all ages. Details regarding our onsite facilities are located on the homepage including a calendar of programming for events like our Keeper Chats and Fly-bys, sponsored by Duke Energy-Piedmont Natural Gas. We hope to see you soon!
