Lee County

North Fort Myers Mourns Loss of Eaglets to Highly Contagious Bird Flu

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — The community of North Fort Myers is grieving the loss of two beloved bald eagle chicks, E24 and E25, who succumbed to the highly⁤ pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu. The tragic deaths were confirmed by the Clinic for⁢ the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), marking a devastating turn for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, ⁤which has ‌been monitoring the nest for 13 years.

The eaglets, born to parents M15 and F23, had been a source of joy for viewers who watched them grow via the live-streamed⁣ nest.Though, their lives were cut short after M15 brought an infected bird into ⁢the nest as ‌food. both eaglets consumed ⁣the ​contaminated prey and died within four days.

“Raptors who develop clinical signs have about a 90 to 100 percent mortality rate,” saeid Jessica ⁢Comolli, CROW’s research and ⁣Medical Director. “So it is a very, very contagious,‍ very pathogenic disease.”

the first signs of trouble‌ appeared when E24 was ⁣found covered in blood, likely from a broken blood feather on its left wing. Shortly after,E25 began experiencing⁢ seizures,struggled to stay ​upright,and ​eventually fell from the nest.

The Threat to Humans

While avian flu ​primarily⁤ affects birds, the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ‍warned that humans can also be infected. The first U.S. death from⁣ H5N1​ was reported in Louisiana earlier this month. In the last year,⁤ 66 human cases have been reported in the U.S.,⁣ with over 950 cases worldwide. About half of these ⁣cases have been fatal.

“This strain has been ‌shown to ​infect humans,” comolli added. “While the general ⁣public is at less risk, individuals who work closely with infected animals—as well as those who are immunocompromised—are at ‌a higher risk.” ‌

A Growing Concern in Southwest Florida

CROW has reported an increase in bird flu cases in Southwest Florida over the past few ​years, with the last confirmed case occurring just last month. The Southwest ​Florida​ Eagle⁣ Cam, which has never encountered such a case before, is now on high ⁤alert.

“In the 13 years that ‍we have been monitoring this‌ camera, we’ve never ‌had a case like this before that we certainly know of,” said co-founder Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden. “I do⁤ know CROW has been ‍reporting ‍there have been other cases in the state.”

Precautions and ⁢Next Steps

Wildlife experts are urging the public ​to take precautions if they‍ encounter ⁤an injured bird or any animal that may be infected. CROW advises avoiding direct skin ⁢contact, wearing gloves and‍ a mask, and contacting CROW or the Florida​ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for guidance. ⁤

Simultaneously occurring,​ CROW and ⁢the Southwest Florida Eagle⁣ Cam team are closely monitoring M15 and ⁢F23 for any signs of⁢ illness and will intervene if necessary. ‍

Key Facts at‍ a glance ‍

| Details ⁣| Information ‍ ‌ ‍ ⁣ ‍ ​ ⁢ ⁢ |
|———————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Eaglets Affected ⁣ ‍ | E24 and E25‍ ⁣ ​ ​ ⁣ ⁤ ⁢ ​ ‍ ‌ |
| Cause of Death ⁢ ‍ | ⁣Highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu ‍ ⁢ ‌ |
| Source of Infection | contaminated prey brought into the nest by M15 ⁢ ⁣ ⁤ ‍ |
|⁤ human Risk ​ ​ ‍ ‍ | Low for the general ‍public; higher for those working with ⁤infected animals ⁤ ⁤ ⁣|
| Recent Cases⁤ in⁤ Florida ‍ | Increase reported by CROW; last case confirmed last month ‌ ⁣ ⁣|
| precautions ⁤ ⁢ | Avoid direct contact; wear gloves and mask; contact CROW or FWC for assistance |

The loss of ​E24 and E25 serves ‌as a stark reminder of the dangers⁢ posed by avian flu, not only to wildlife but also to humans. As the community mourns, experts continue ‌to emphasize the importance⁤ of vigilance and caution in the face⁢ of this highly contagious disease. ⁤ ‌

For more information on how to protect yourself and report potential cases, ⁤visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife‌ Conservation Commission or contact CROW directly.