Necropsy finds avian flu caused death of California bald eagle Jackie

Jackie, a bald eagle that lived near Big Bear Lake, California, died in August after a prolonged illness. A necropsy conducted by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance identified Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary cause of her decline.

"Jackie's necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline," said Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

The virus caused an uncommon severe ulcer in her stomach, leading to persistent internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial sepsis, according to the report released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The agency added that the findings showed Jackie suffered from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that developed over time and ultimately resulted in her death.

HPAI is known to circulate among wild bird populations across the United States, with raptors typically contracting the disease through contact with infected birds or by consuming contaminated prey.

Jackie, hatched in 2012, became a viral sensation after a webcam installed by a U.S. Forest Service employee streamed her life to a global audience. She was the first eaglet born in Big Bear Valley and later raised chicks with her mates, Mr. B and later Shadow. State wildlife officials indicated that Shadow and their remaining eaglets, Sandy and Luna, show no signs of illness.

"The story of the Big Bear bald eagle reflects the powerful connection people feel to these iconic birds," said wildlife agency Director Meghan Hertel. "We're grateful to everyone who cared for her and worked to support her well-being. Understanding the results of these tests is an important part of learning from this case and can help inform the care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife in the future."