Avian Flu Apparent Cause Of Milwaukee Bald Eagle's Death

MILWAUKEE, WI — A bald eagle nesting in Milwaukee died on Saturday after it appeared to be affected by a highly contagious avian flu, according to multiple reports.

The eagle was discovered on the ground and unable to fly by Bay View residents on Friday, WISN-12 reported. Workers from the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Department of Natural Resources tried to save the eagle, but it eventually died.

The eagle's remains were sent to the state wildlife agency to test for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as HPAI, humane society spokesperson Angela Speed told Patch. The results are expected in several days.

A video posted by a community member showed two health workers capturing the sick eagle in a net so it could be taken in for treatment. Another post showed the eagle's mate as it remained in the neighborhood.

Wisconsin residents should look out for waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors like eagles, and scavengers like crows, ravens and seagulls having tremors, circling movement or holding their heads unusually, the Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.

Samples of avian flu were found in a Canada goose in Milwaukee County, a Cooper's hawk and bald eagle in Dane County, a lesser scaup in Columbia County, a trumpeter swan in Polk County and a red-tailed hawk in Grant County, the wildlife agency said.

Health officials culled a flock of 3 million hens after it was confirmed to have HPAI in March.

A pair of nesting eagles were spotted in Milwaukee County in late March. The pair in Milwaukee County meant that every corner of the state had eagles living in it.

See Also: Bird Flu In Wisconsin: What To Know About The Deadly Outbreak