Falcons test positive for West Nile

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Four of the Air Force Academy’s falcon mascots have tested positive for West Nile virus, but pathology reports are not back yet to confirm that a fifth falcon, which died Aug. 17, had the virus.

One prairie, one peregrine and two gyr falcons are infected with the virus. All 11 of the academy’s falcon mascots received an equine vaccine last winter to help protect them.

“We wanted to vaccinate prior to mosquito season,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Steven Niehoff, 10th Medical Group’s public health director and director of the academy’s falconry program.

Blood samples had been drawn from all academy birds in early August, but results just came back the week of Aug. 18, according to Niehoff.

“We’re awaiting pathology results of the bird that has died to come back from the Colorado State University diagnostic laboratory,” he said.

Niehoff said a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine, although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may offer hope for more effective vaccinations.

“We’re hoping to receive that soon from CDC,” said Niehoff.

The falcon which died Aug. 17 was Magellan, a one-year-old male peregrine falcon.

The death of Magellan leaves the academy with 10 falcon mascots, which include the American kestrel, peregrine, prairie and gyr falcon breeds. The academy cadet falconers and falcons perform during halftime of most academy football games and make many public appearances throughout the year.