Emergency Avian Influenza Appeal

Imminent Threat to Condors

In early April 2023, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as Bird Flu, was announced as the cause of death for three California condors in northern Arizona.
To date, 21 condors in that population have died.
The virus has not yet been detected in the other condor populations in California and Mexico, but has been detected in other wild birds.
The ongoing Avian Influenza outbreak represents an imminent threat to all of the California Condor populations.

On May 16, 2023, the USDA Animal and Plant Heath Inspection Service (APHIS) announced their approval of an existing vaccine for use in California Condors.
Partners have begun vaccine trials on black vultures, and the final blood samples from that trial were collected mid-July. Samples are being analyzed and results are pending.
At the same time, teams are working to improve the ability of flock managers to swiftly respond to potential future HPAI outbreaks through management of the flocks, and facility and infrastructure improvements.
Friends of California Condors Wild & Free are teaming up with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to raise funds for the Condor Survival Fund in support of the field team response to avian influenza.

Donate to support the Condor Recovery Program's Avian Influenza Response.
Funds donated here will go to the Condor Survival Fund and be distributed to condor recovery field teams to support their response efforts.
Funds raised will support implementation of vaccination in the wild including capture, holding, vaccination, and monitoring. If funds raised exceed these needs, then the additional funding will support condor recovery across the program.
Please consider donating. Every dollar helps support the fight to save the condors.

If you see a condor exhibiting lethargy, lack of coordination, presenting as dull or unresponsive, holding head in an unusual position, and walking in circles:
- Arizona or Utah: please contact The Peregrine Fund at (928) 352-8551 or condorprogram@peregrinefund.org
- Central California: contact Joe Burnett or call Pinnacles National Park at 831-389-4486 x4276
- Southern California: please email HopperMountain@fws.gov
- Northern California: call the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department at 707-951-6353
Report non-condor bird mortalities to your state wildlife management agency immediately so that bird die-offs can be investigated and tested for avian influenza:
- In Arizona call USDA 1-866-536-7593
- In Utah call the local DWR office or call USDA 1-866-536-7593
- In California report your findings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Mortality Reporting webpage
For authoritative and regularly updated information on the situation, visit The Condor Recovery Program HPAI Information Page.