'Jackie' The Bald Eagle's Cause Of Death Revealed

BIG BEAR, CA — Two months after the death of internet sensation Jackie, the bald eagle, experts have revealed the media darling died after enduring multiple serious illnesses, including Avian Flu.

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza was the primary underlying cause of death for Jackie, also known as Patient 26-519, who died on Aug. 10. The beloved bald eagle, attracted viewers from around the world to her livestreamed nestcam in Big Bear.

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The Ojai Raptor Center shared findings from her necropsy on Wednesday. Veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance performed the examination, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The examination revealed severe, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the stomach, persistent internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis. Further testing confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in the affected tissues.

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"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," Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said in a statement released by the wildlife agency.

The findings indicated multiple serious, interconnected disease processes developed over time and ultimately led to Jackie's decline and death, the agency said.

HPAI is an infectious disease that primarily affects birds and has circulated among wild bird populations across the United States. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts of avian influenza viruses, while eagles and other raptors can be exposed through contact with infected birds or by eating infected prey, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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The necropsy also found that Jackie, who was born in 2012, tested negative for West Nile virus. Heavy metals detected in her system were within acceptable limits and were not associated with the progression of her illness.

Brodifacoum, a rodenticide linked to eagle deaths, was detected in her liver but was not identified as the primary cause of her illness or death, the agency said.

There was also no evidence that Jackie's most recent mate, Shadow, or their eaglets, were sick, according to the state wildlife agency.

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Her life, along with those of her mates and offspring, was documented through a livestream nest camera installed by Friends of Big Bear Valley. The camera drew widespread public attention to the eagles and their nesting activities.

Jackie's remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Eagle Repository in accordance with protocols intended to prevent the spread of HPAI, the state agency said.

"Jackie’s story brought unprecedented public attention to bald eagles and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on," the agency said in its statement. "Her life and the public’s connection to her highlights the powerful role that wildlife can play in connecting people to conservation."

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