Avian Influenza identified as primary underlying cause of Big Bear bald eagle Jackie’s decline
BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) - The final necropsy report on Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle's death was released on Wednesday, revealing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as the underlying primary cause of her decline.
"The necropsy, performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, along with extensive additional laboratory and toxicology testing, provided new information about the complex medical condition that led to Jackie’s decline and death," reads a news release by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Jackie died on August 10 after more than three weeks of intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center.
Officials said the "necropsy revealed a complex and unusual disease process involving severe, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the stomach, persistent internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis."
Further diagnostic testing confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the affected tissues.
HPAI is an infectious disease that primarily affects birds and has been circulating in wild bird populations throughout the United States, the CDFW reports. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts of avian influenza viruses, while eagles and other raptors may be exposed through contact with infected birds or by consuming infected prey.
Officials identified HPAI as an underlying cause of Jackie's severe stomach ulceration. Multiple complications developed over time and ultimately contributed to her decline and death.
"Jackie's necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline," said Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "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."
The agency added that Jackie showed signs of chronic disease involving the ventriculus, the muscular portion of a bird’s stomach, commonly called the gizzard. The damaged and ulcerated tissue contributed to ongoing blood loss and her persistent severe anemia.
It also allowed bacteria to enter the body, resulting in a serious secondary bacterial infection.
Severe inflammation and blood clot formation were also found in the heart and several major blood vessels. Follow-up testing showed that HPAI virus genetic material was present in several tissues throughout her body, including the ulcerated tissue in the ventriculus.
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 necropsy results have helped connect many of the findings we were seeing throughout the eagle’s hospitalization,” said Chris Eksteen, Executive Director of Ojai Raptor Center. “We are grateful to the many veterinary specialists, laboratories, wildlife agencies and partner organizations who worked alongside our team to understand her illness and provide her with the best possible care. Caring for her was an extraordinary privilege for our entire team.”
Consistent with established procedures intended to prevent the transmission of HPAI to wildlife or humans, Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository.
