In late June, a bald eagle displaying signs of illness was reported to the American Bald Eagle Foundation. With a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (HPAI) reported earlier in the summer, the ABEF did not feel comfortable collecting a live bird exhibiting symptoms of this illness to protect the raptors and chickens on the education team. After consulting with the Alaska Sick or Dead Bird Hotline, a group fielding calls of potential HPAI cases, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game checked if an officer in the area was available to euthanize the sick bird and send it in for testing.
When no officer was available, the ABEF was advised to wait for the animal to die and collect it for HPAI testing. Cruise ship visitors and locals investigating the animal presented a safety issue for the humans and bird, so ABEF staff collected the bird using proper protective equipment. The bird was moved in a crate to a cool, dark area offsite where it died shortly after. The eagle was then sent to the state vet’s office for testing, which came back negative for the avian influenza strain. We appreciate the community’s concern for this animal and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Email questions to [email protected], or call us at 907-766-3094.
If you see a bird acting unusually, call the Alaska Sick or Dead Bird Hotline at 866-527-3358.
Josh Sanko, Animal Curator, American Bald Eagle Foundation