Bald Eagle 24-011 was struck by a vehicle, but she has also tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Water fowl can be asymptomatic carriers of HPAI, but the virus is almost always fatal in raptors. A second blood sample has been sent to the Washington Disease Diagnostic Lab to determine what variant of the virus the eagle has as she has shown no symptoms of the disease. She has been transferred to the Washington State University Veterinary School for continued care. 

There were two new admissions this week, a tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl and another Bald Eagle.

It was obvious the owl didn’t feel well. A radiograph showed her right humerus was in four pieces. The arrows point to the fragments. Euthanasia was the only humane option.

The Eagle’s blood lead level was 27.5 micrograms/deciliter, a toxic level of lead. The first course of chelation has been completed and the eagle is responding well. Another blood sample will be taken on Tuesday to see if a second course of chelation is required.

Bald Eagle 24-010, admitted last week, has had one course of chelation. When we received the new lead test kits and tested his blood, the initial sample was only 6.7 micrograms/deciliter. Normally an eagle would not be showing signs of lead toxicity at that level, however the effects of lead can be quite variable between birds. Fortunately the eagle has responded well and is now out in a flight pen!