Avian flu identified as primary cause of death of Big Bear bald eagle Jackie
California wildlife officials said a necropsy showed highly pathogenic avian influenza caused severe stomach ulceration, internal bleeding and secondary infection that led to the death of a 14-year-old bald eagle rescued from Big Bear Lake.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that a necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the primary factor behind the decline and death of a bald eagle known as Jackie, who died in August after being rescued from Big Bear Lake.
"In an uncommon presentation of the virus, the infection caused a severe ulcer in her stomach that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and the development of bacterial sepsis," said Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which performed the necropsy.
Jackie, estimated to be about 14 years old, had been found after a confrontation with two younger eagles and was cared for by veterinary staff at the Ojai Raptor Center. Despite receiving a blood transfusion, she continued to suffer from chronic disease of the ventriculus (the bird's gizzard), which resulted in ongoing blood loss and severe anemia, according to the agency release. The ulcerated tissue also allowed bacteria to enter her bloodstream, causing a serious secondary infection.
Additional testing revealed inflammation and clot formation in her heart and major blood vessels, and HPAI genetic material was detected in multiple tissues, including the ulcerated stomach tissue. Tests for West Nile virus were negative, and heavy-metal levels were within normal limits. While a rodenticide (brodifacoum) was found in her liver, it was not considered a primary cause of her illness or death.
"Together, the findings showed that Jackie was suffering from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that had been developing over time and ultimately led to her decline and death," the CDFW release stated.
Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository to prevent possible transmission of HPAI.
"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," said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel.
The eagle had been featured in a live-stream camera that documented her activities and those of her partner, Shadow, drawing public interest over several years. Officials noted that there was no evidence of illness in Shadow or their recent eaglets.