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SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Ojai Raptor Center, today released the results of the necropsy and additional diagnostic testing conducted following the death of Patient 26-519, the bald eagle from Big Bear Valley known as Jackie.
The necropsy, performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, along with extensive additional laboratory and toxicology testing, provided new information about the complex medical condition that led to Jackie’s decline and death.
"Jackie's necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline," said Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations, 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."
Jackie showed signs of chronic disease involving the ventriculus, the muscular portion of a bird’s stomach, commonly called the gizzard. The damaged and ulcerated tissue contributed to ongoing blood loss and her persistent severe anemia. It also allowed bacteria to enter the body, resulting in a serious secondary bacterial infection. Severe inflammation and blood clot formation were also found in the heart and several major blood vessels. Follow up testing showed that HPAI virus genetic material was present in several tissues throughout her body, including the ulcerated tissue in the ventriculus.
Additional testing showed Jackie was negative for a West Nile Virus infection and heavy metals—including lead—were within acceptable limits and not associated with the identified disease progression. Toxicology screening detected brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, in the liver, as well as persistent environmental contaminants. The necropsy did not find uncontrolled bleeding typically associated with anticoagulant rodenticide; therefore, brodifacoum was not identified as the primary cause of illness or death.
Together, the findings showed that Jackie was suffering from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that had been developing over time and ultimately led to her decline and 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.”
Consistent with established procedures intended to prevent the transmission of HPAI to wildlife or humans, the remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository.
“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.”
HPAI is an infectious disease that primarily affects birds and has been circulating in wild bird populations throughout the United States. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts of avian influenza viruses, while eagles and other raptors may be exposed through contact with infected birds or by consuming infected prey.
Jackie’s death also marked the loss of one half of the iconic bald eagle pair that has occupied Big Bear Valley for years. Her mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear. Based on camera data, we have no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets were sick.
Jackie’s story brought unprecedented public attention to bald eagles and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on. 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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