H5N1 HPAI Bald Eagle Washington County Minnesota

[niman]

H5N1 Bald Eagle Washington MN 4/12/22

I was doing some scouting along the St Croix last Friday when I came upon this beauty. It was debilitated and having seizures.

Today I was informed this magnificent creature died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu, HPAI).

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the raptor center

Edited April 18, 2022 by niman

[niman]

I was doing some scouting along the St Croix last Friday when I came upon this beauty. It was debilitated and having seizures. You can see it twitching it’s head in the video but I didn’t record the seizures as I knew that was the time I would be able to capture the bird. After following it around for about an hour and watching it fall out of trees while seizing, I was able to get my sweatshirt wrapped around it and secure it in my arms.

A conversation with The Raptor Center led me to a volunteer who was willing to meet me and take the to TRC. Well, I was 1.5 miles deep in the hills and had to hike out with one hand securing its feet and the other arm cradling/securing it. About every 15 minutes the bird would have a seizure and at one time it called out six inches from my ear.

Nearing the end of my hike, I realized the bird had died. I suspected it may have been suffering from lead poisoning given its presentation. Today I was informed this magnificent creature died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu, HPAI). Not only are poultry producers, backyard chicken enthusiasts, and their associated animal health professionals being bombarded with this nasty virus, but our wild birds are getting hit hard this spring, too.

[niman]

map update

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1E2wqF61M_F0pc9zOvoEs075hbeDW_Lot&ll=44.939952546514164%2C-92.7868125625844&z=12