West Nile Virus Has Reached the Reno Area

(continued from Home Page)

One of the first signs of the West Nile Virus is dead birds of the raptor species (i.e. jays,  crows, ravens, hawks).  If you find a dead bird and want it tested for West Nile Virus or have questions, please contact:

Nevada Department of Agriculture

775-688-1122

ext. 231 - for dead birds

ext. 232 - for horses

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Donate Objects for the Horses

Can you help with any of the following needs:

• First , and always, VRWPA can always use cash donations. Money is used to purchase hay for the winter feeding of the wild horses and to care for the injured wildlife (vet fees, medicine, etc.). VRWPA is a 501c3 non-profit organization so donations are tax-deductible.
• VRWPA needs a heavy-duty horse trailer to transport sick or injured wildlife.
• New or used lead ropes, halters, saddles, grooming tools, and all tack items.
• Panels for emergency holding areas, water troughs, stock tanks, feeders, selenium blocks, and water tank heaters.

The horses thank you.

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Equine Birth Control Study Comes to the Virginia Range

VRWPA and the Nevada Department of Agriculture in conjunction with University of Nevada-Reno, Pennsylvania State University, and the National Wildlife Research Center are conducting a birth control study on some of our Virginia Range mares. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of PZP or GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccination on mare behavior as well as impacts on stallion behavior and social group structure. The reason we have been asked to join this important study is because of our ability to follow and watch the mares. This is due to their tendency to remain in the same area.

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To see more VRWPA projects click on this link.