diff --git a/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/walkers/filters/VariantFiltrationWalker.java b/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/walkers/filters/VariantFiltrationWalker.java
index 72c8457dc..a2382738b 100755
--- a/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/walkers/filters/VariantFiltrationWalker.java
+++ b/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/walkers/filters/VariantFiltrationWalker.java
@@ -120,6 +120,8 @@ public class VariantFiltrationWalker extends RodWalker<Integer, Integer> {
 
         filterExps = VariantContextUtils.initializeMatchExps(FILTER_NAMES, FILTER_EXPS);
         genotypeFilterExps = VariantContextUtils.initializeMatchExps(GENOTYPE_FILTER_NAMES, GENOTYPE_FILTER_EXPS);
+
+        VariantContextUtils.engine.setSilent(true);
     }
 
     public Integer reduceInit() { return 0; }