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Jackie the bald eagle's mysterious cause of death revealed
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Jackie, a California bald eagle famous for her life being livestreamed to millions, died in August due to complications from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), according to a necropsy report by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
- The avian flu caused a severe stomach ulcer in Jackie, leading to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis, which ultimately resulted in her death.
- Jackie’s illness had baffled veterinarians throughout the summer, leading to intensive medical efforts including hospitalization and anesthesia for a potential blood transfusion.
- HPAI is a highly infectious disease spreading among wild birds in the U.S., with eagles and other raptors contracting it through contact with infected birds or prey; waterfowl and shorebirds are natural carriers.
- Jackie was the first eaglet hatched in Big Bear Valley in 2012 and became a viral sensation after a webcam was installed to broadcast her life; her second mate, Shadow, and their eaglets remain healthy according to wildlife officials.
