Autopsy Finds Bird Flu Was Primary Cause of Eagle Jackie’s Death
An investigation confirmed that pathogenic avian influenza was the main factor in the decline and death of Jackie, a well-known bald eagle cared for at the Ojai Raptor Center.
An autopsy report released this week determined that pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was the primary underlying cause of the decline and eventual death of Jackie, a bald eagle that gained national attention through a live webcam at her nest near Big Bear Lake. The report noted that the virus caused a stomach ulcer, leading to internal bleeding and infection.
Jackie was found weakened on the lake’s shoreline in July and was taken to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she later died on Aug. 10. The investigation also detected rat poison in her system, but Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, emphasized that bird flu was the decisive factor.
"Bird flu was the primary underlying cause of her decline," Kubiski said in a joint statement.
To prevent any potential spread of the virus, Jackie was cremated after the examination. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organization that operates the webcam, issued a tribute noting her impact on viewers.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife health and the transmission of avian diseases in California.