Dozens of Bald Eagles Died from Bird Flu

New threats to the species, such as wind turbines or the avian flu strain, could threaten its long-term success. Dr. “The endurance of these animals was very close to the limit,” Schuler said. “If a few more breeding adults die, that could actually have a pretty big impact on the future growth of these populations.”

It is not yet clear how this avian flu will affect the recovery of the species. Dr. “I’m worried it will be endemic, and there are already some reports of recombination, which means that this new strain mixes with some of the North American versions we have and creates new viruses,” Schuler said. “We always worry about them.”

But the virus looks set to harm nesting success — a nest’s ability to produce at least one young bird that can fly — among certain populations this year, according to a study. expression From the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Aerial surveys of bald eagles nesting in six coastal counties of Georgia have revealed that nesting success has dropped 30 percent this year, according to the statement.

Some wild birds infected with avian flu may show no symptoms, but the infection can also cause neurological problems that can make it difficult for a bird to fly or heal on its own. Bald eagles believed to have bird flu at Back to the Wild, an Ohio rehabilitation center, seem unsteady on their feet and cannot fly; Some even had seizures.

“They’re all admitted with the same symptoms and pass away after admissions hours,” said Heather Tuttle, the center’s education director, adding that admission rates are starting to slow. None of the dozens of people brought to the center survived. There is no effective treatment.

Bird flu poses little threat to humans, and no cases of H5N1 avian flu infection have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and their droppings, and hunters Avoid picking or handling wild birds that are sick or dead. Hunters should also wash their hands with soap and water after touching game birds and cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

some experts He recommended People lowering bird feeders to reduce the spread of H5N1 in wild birds. However, Dr. Schuler did not see many birds that used feeders, such as songbirds, become infected. “So this doesn’t appear to be a significant potential source of contamination,” he said.