Big Bear bald eagle Jackie's cause of death revealed in new necropsy report
BIG BEAR, Calif. -- Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie died from complications related to a type of infectious avian flu, according to necropsy results.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Ojai Raptor Center on Wednesday released the results of testing conducted after Jackie's death, shedding new light on the illness that veterinarians had been trying to diagnose during weeks of treatment.
The findings determined that highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, was the primary underlying cause of Jackie's decline.
"Jackie's necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline," said Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations for the 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 damage also allowed bacteria to enter her body, resulting in a serious secondary infection. Additional testing found evidence of the virus in multiple tissues.
The results help explain the severe anemia that veterinarians were battling while caring for Jackie at the Ojai Raptor Center earlier this year. Jackie spent more than three weeks receiving intensive treatment, including oxygen therapy and a life-saving blood transfusion, as experts worked to determine what was making her sick.
Toxicology testing detected brodifacoum, a rodent poison, in Jackie's liver. However, officials said the findings did not show the type of uncontrolled bleeding associated with the poison, and it was not identified as the primary cause of her illness or 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."
Jackie died Aug. 10 after her condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment. Her remains were later cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository, according to wildlife officials.
"The story of the Big Bear bald eagle reflects the powerful connection people feel to these iconic birds," said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. "We're grateful to everyone who cared for her and worked to support her well-being. Understanding the results of these tests is an important part of learning from this case and can help inform the care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife in the future."
Jackie's death marked the loss of one half of the iconic bald eagle pair that had occupied Big Bear Valley for years. Her mate, Shadow, remains in the area, and officials said there is no evidence that he or the pair's eaglets became sick.
Jackie gained a worldwide following through the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle camera, with millions of viewers tuning in over the years to watch her and Shadow raise their young. Wildlife officials said her story helped bring attention to bald eagles, conservation and the habitats they depend on.
