Bird Flu Claims Life of Beloved Bald Eagle
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — An iconic bald eagle named Jackie, who had captured the hearts of many online, has died due to bird flu, according to officials. Jackie became a significant symbol of the recovery of her species in California.
A necropsy revealed that the primary reason for her death in August was highly pathogenic avian influenza, as stated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in a recent announcement.
Prior to her passing, Jackie was being cared for at the Ojai Raptor Center, where she was treated for various health issues, including anemia. Chris Eksteen, the director of the center, noted that the findings from the necropsy helped clarify many of the concerns they had during her treatment.
Steve Kubiski, the director of disease investigations at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, explained that the virus manifested in an unusual way, causing a severe stomach ulcer which led to ongoing internal bleeding, anemia, and ultimately, bacterial sepsis.
For over a decade, nature enthusiasts enjoyed watching Jackie and her mate, Shadow, via an online camera as they raised their young atop trees near Big Bear Lake, situated in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. Fortunately, there is currently no indication that Shadow is unwell, according to the news release.
The nest camera, set up by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley in 2015, showcased both the triumphs and challenges of each breeding season.
Bird flu continues to spread among avian populations throughout the United States. It is noted that, while waterfowl and shorebirds act as natural hosts for these viruses, eagles and other raptors can become infected through contact with sick birds or by consuming them.
To prevent any potential virus transmission, Jackie’s remains were cremated.
The American bald eagle faced near extinction years ago, but after the ban on the pesticide DDT in the 1970s and other protective measures, the population has rebounded significantly, allowing the species to be removed from the federal endangered list.
