Bird flu caused death of internet famous bald eagle Jackie

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Bird flu caused the death of Jackie, a bald eagle who became an internet sensation after being filmed nesting near Big Bear Lake in California.

Bird flu caused the death of Jackie, a bald eagle who had become an internet sensation and a symbol of the species' recovery in California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the diagnosis on Wednesday following a necropsy and additional testing. Jackie died in August.

Nature lovers watched Jackie and her partner Shadow tend to their nest each year via an online video feed. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley installed the nest camera in 2015 and documented each breeding season. There is no evidence that Shadow is ill.

Jackie was being treated at the Ojai Raptor Center in the weeks before her death for various ailments including anemia. According to Steve Kubiski, disease investigations director at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance where the necropsy was conducted, the bird flu infection caused 'a severe ulcer in her stomach that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and the development of bacterial sepsis'. This was an uncommon presentation of the virus.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating in bird populations throughout the United States. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts for the virus, but eagles and other raptors can be exposed through contact with infected birds or by eating them. Jackie's remains were cremated to prevent transmission of the virus.

How it is being reported

• Bird flu caused the death of Jackie, a California bald eagle who captured heartsOfficials say bird flu caused the death of a bald eagle named Jackie who had become an internet sensation and a symbol of the species’ recovery in California.News4Jax · 15 Oct, 17:56
• Bird flu caused the death of Jackie, a California bald eagle who captured heartsOfficials say bird flu caused the death of a bald eagle named Jackie who had become an internet sensation and a symbol of the species’ recovery in California.Clickorlando · 15 Oct, 17:56

In this story: Jackie · Shadow · Big Bear Lake · California · California Department of Fish and Wildlife · San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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