Wildlife officials in California have identified highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, as the primary underlying cause of death of Jackie, a bald eagle whose nest attracted a large online following.
The eagle died on August 10 after being taken for treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. The cause of death was announced in October following a post-mortem examination conducted by veterinary specialists.
Jackie became widely known through a livestream of a nest overlooking Big Bear Lake in California, where viewers followed her life with her longtime mate, Shadow, and watched the pair raise their young.
Her online popularity turned the nest into a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, many of whom followed seasonal nesting activity and the development of the eaglets.
According to findings released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and its partners, the bird flu infection was the primary underlying cause of her decline. The examination also identified other health complications, including chronic disease and a secondary bacterial infection.
Testing detected brodifacoum, a type of rat poison, in Jackie’s liver. However, officials said the findings did not identify the poison as the primary cause of her illness or death.
Jackie had been found in a weakened condition in July and was taken for veterinary care. Despite treatment and further investigations, her condition did not improve, and she died while under the care of the wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Her death has renewed attention on the risks facing wild birds from infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. Avian influenza can affect wild and domestic bird populations, while exposure to rodenticides is another concern for birds of prey.
Jackie’s story also illustrates how wildlife livestreams can create sustained public interest in individual animals and their habitats. For many viewers, following the nest had become a way to observe eagle behaviour and learn about the species.
Her longtime mate, Shadow, remained in the Big Bear area following her death, according to wildlife officials.
