Environment

Necropsy links Jackie the bald eagle’s decline to avian flu

California wildlife officials said extensive testing identified highly pathogenic avian influenza as the primary underlying cause of Jackie’s decline and death.

Published October 14, 2026

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released the results Wednesday with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Ojai Raptor Center. Veterinary pathologists performed the necropsy after Jackie, the widely followed Big Bear bald eagle, died in August.

The agencies said the virus appeared in an uncommon form that caused a severe ulcer in the ventriculus, the muscular part of a bird’s stomach. The damage led to persistent internal bleeding and anemia and allowed a secondary bacterial infection to develop into sepsis.

Other possible causes evaluated

Follow-up testing found viral genetic material in several tissues. Jackie tested negative for West Nile virus, and heavy-metal levels—including lead—were not linked to the disease process.

Toxicology testing detected brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, but the necropsy did not find the uncontrolled bleeding typically associated with that poison. Officials therefore did not identify it as the primary cause of the illness or death.

Findings may inform future wildlife care

Jackie’s remains were cremated under established procedures intended to prevent transmission of avian influenza. CDFW said the results may help guide treatment of other eagles and wildlife. The agency also reported no camera evidence that Jackie’s mate, Shadow, or their eaglets were sick.

The findings follow an October memorial attended by the Big Bear community.

Official source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife — October 14, 2026 →

Additional reporting: CBS Los Angeles — October 14, 2026 →