Workshop on the Health Protection of Birds of Prey

A powerful step forward for raptor health in Montenegro 🦅

On 18 February 2026, The AVIATOR stakeholder workshop in Podgorica, organised by @veterinarska_laboratorija brought together veterinary experts, public health professionals, ornithologists, and conservationists with one shared objective: strengthening the protection of birds of prey across the Danube Region.

Climate change, West Nile virus, avian influenza, habitat loss, poisoning, and unsafe infrastructure all threaten these species. With no officially diagnosed infectious diseases in raptors in Montenegro so far, this project marks a crucial first step toward structured monitoring, prevention models, and a shared regional strategy.

Through collaboration across 10 Danube Region countries, the project aims to build prevention models, develop a digital monitoring platform, and create a unified regional strategy to protect these magnificent species.

This workshop was more than a meeting — it was the first step toward action.