Breaking: CROW confirms avian flu cause of death of eaglets E24 and E25
The Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife has determined that the cause of death of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam eaglets was bird flu.
“Our CROW team mourns the loss of eaglets E24 and E25 along with our community and those who have been watching the Eagle Cam from near and far. Our purpose and our passion are caring for our native wildlife, and the loss is heartbreaking for all of us. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has reached out with words of support<" a release on behalf of CROW states. On Monday, Jan. 27, after learning of E24's death in the nest off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers, CROW was granted federal and state authorization to remove E24 from the nest, but did not have authorization to remove its sibling, E25. "CROW staff performed a visual exam and found E25 bright and alert with no signs of stress," the release states. "CROW then notified the public that it had retrieved E24 and a necropsy would be performed. Early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 28, CROW learned that E25 had seized and fallen from the nest overnight, and two CROW team members met with a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer to retrieve E25. A CROW veterinarian was on hand and prepared to render aid if the eaglet was still alive. Sadly, E25 was found to be deceased on scene and was sent off for advanced testing. "Late evening on Wednesday, Jan. 29, CROW received notification that the two eaglets tested positive for Avian Influenza (HPAI). Per protocols, last night CROW's medical director notified state and federal agencies." "The current strain of Avian Influenza is a Highly Pathogenic form of the H5N1 virus which has caused devastating losses in the birds it affects. While some birds, such as waterfowl, can shed the virus while remaining asymptomatic, other species, such as birds of prey, are highly susceptible and can succumb to the disease rapidly, as we witnessed with the eaglets in this nest," CROW said. "At this time, CROW does not have authorization to attempt capture of the adult eagle parents, M15 and F23. This task would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, and unsafe because they are both flighted eagles. CROW continues to work in partnership with the Prichett family, dedicated volunteers, USFWS, and FWC to monitor the wellbeing of the adult eagles and we will respond if necessary - while mindful of the safety of the animals and people involved." Should the public find a weak or grounded eagle or other wildlife, they are asked to notify FWC (888-404-3922) or CROW (239-322-5068), as these animals should be handled as if they are positive for the virus. Source: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Founded in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, educational programs, and a visitor center, CROW strives to improve the health of wildlife, humans, and the environment. For more information, please visit www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal in need of help, call 239-472-3644 ext. #222.