Tue, Aug 26, 2003
Air Force Feathered Mascots Infected
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 August 17, had the
virus.
FDA-approved vaccine didn't work.
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 August 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 earlier this month 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.
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