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Jackie the bald eagle's mysterious cause of death revealed
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Jackie, a beloved California bald eagle known worldwide through live video feeds, died from complications caused by 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 led to her death in August after weeks of veterinary treatment.
- HPAI is a highly infectious disease circulating among wild bird populations in the U.S., with eagles and other raptors typically contracting it through contact with infected birds or prey.
- 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, fostering a strong emotional connection with the public.
- Wildlife officials confirmed that Jackie's mate, Shadow, and their eaglets are currently healthy, and the case provides important insights for future care and treatment of eagles and other wildlife.
