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Bird flu caused the death of Jackie, a California bald eagle who captured hearts
KSL News • • health
Key Points:
- Jackie, a bald eagle and internet sensation symbolizing species recovery in California, died from highly pathogenic avian influenza, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Necropsy revealed the virus caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis, explaining symptoms observed during her treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center.
- Jackie and her mate Shadow were monitored via a nest camera installed by Friends of Big Bear Valley since 2015, with no signs of illness reported in Shadow.
- Bird flu is spreading among U.S. bird populations, with raptors like eagles at risk through contact with or consumption of infected birds.
- The bald eagle population recovered significantly after DDT was banned in the 1970s, leading to its removal from the federal endangered list.
