All articles tagged with #wildlife health
Jackie, the famous bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, died in August 2026 from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). A necropsy confirmed the virus caused severe stomach ulcers, leading to internal bleeding and sepsis. Although rat poison was detected, it was not the primary cause of death. Her mate, Shadow, remains healthy.
A new study analyzing 1,003 Barred Owls in northwestern California confirms that state bans on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides have significantly reduced exposure in wildlife. However, the research also reveals a rising presence of vitamin D3 rodenticides, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become restricted.
Hemorrhagic disease is causing significant deer mortality in Missouri and Michigan, with similar outbreaks reported in Wisconsin. The virus, spread by midges, has no cure but poses no risk to humans. Officials urge the public to report sick or dead deer to monitor the spread.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the state’s first cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) for 2026, with infections detected in white-tailed deer across Branch, Ingham, Jackson, and Lenawee counties. The virus, transmitted by biting midges, causes internal bleeding and high fevers, often leading deer to seek water before dying. While the disease is fatal to deer, officials emphasize it poses no risk to humans or pets. Current outbreak levels are comparable to the 2025 season, and the DNR advises hunters to avoid processing visibly sick animals.
A respiratory disease outbreak has been confirmed in the John Day River bighorn sheep population in Oregon. Several animals tested positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, marking the first known detection of this pathogen in the herd. The affected group is Oregon's largest bighorn sheep population, with an estimated 1,000 individuals. This development raises concerns for wildlife health management in the region.
An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has killed more than 700 white-tailed deer in southeastern Wisconsin since July. The virus, transmitted by biting midges, has affected Washington, Waukesha, and Ozaukee counties. While the disease is fatal for many deer, it poses no risk to humans. Wildlife officials expect the outbreak to end after the first hard frost kills the insects.
An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has resulted in nearly 900 reported dead deer in southeastern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the viral infection, which is transmitted by biting midges, in Washington County. While the disease is fatal to deer, it poses no risk to humans. Officials warn that the current mortality rate is significantly higher than previous outbreaks, though they note that surviving deer will develop immunity and the population is expected to recover.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports an outbreak of Deer Hemorrhagic Disease in the state. The disease is deadly to deer but poses no threat to humans. Infected deer are often found near water and show fever and dehydration, driving them to drink. It is spread by bites from gnats and midges and typically wanes as cooler weather kills these insects. There is no cure, but wildlife managers monitor affected areas to track the outbreak.
An outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has killed at least 600 white-tailed deer in southeastern Wisconsin, affecting Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the virus in samples from Washington County, noting that the disease spreads via midges and typically ends with the first frost. While the virus poses no risk to humans, local governments like Richfield are struggling with carcass removal, and residents report a significant drop in visible deer activity.
Celebrity bald eagle Jackie remains in intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center as her anemia worsens, with her packed cell volume dropping below 10% and veterinarians continuing extensive testing to determine the cause; recovery could take weeks to months, and fans follow updates as her mate Shadow stays nearby.
Rabbits in the U.S. are reappearing with head- and body-growing tumours caused by Shope papilloma virus, earning them the nickname 'Frankenstein rabbits.' The growths are usually harmless unless they block eating or drinking and can rarely progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The virus is spread by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks—not directly between rabbits—peaking in summer and fall. Humans aren’t at risk, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises against euthanising infected wild rabbits unless their ability to eat is compromised.
Two sick brown skua and giant petrel found on Western Australia’s southern coast tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza and died, marking Australia’s first detections and prompting heightened surveillance amid fears of a broader wildlife outbreak. Experts say there’s no confirmed spread yet, but seabirds could transport the virus as they forage offshore. People should avoid handling dead or sick birds and report sightings via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
The North Quabbin Regional Animal Control in Athol, Massachusetts, reports wild animals showing neurological symptoms and warns residents to supervise pets, keep them indoors, and ensure vaccines while state agencies investigate the cause.
Bayville residents report a growing number of dead birds on the beach, raising fears of an avian flu outbreak. The Department of Environmental Conservation says avian flu is widespread on Long Island and cannot retrieve every carcass. Public guidance emphasizes avoiding contact with dead birds and using gloves, masks, triple-bagging, and sanitation for disposal, as locals call for testing and a coordinated response.
In Monterey County, California, wild pigs were found with neon-blue fat after exposure to diphacinone rodenticide, with the meat remaining pink but the fat stained blue; the incident prompts warnings about potential contamination of game and risks to non-target wildlife and humans, as California tightens restrictions on first‑generation rodenticides and urges safer application and integrated pest management; this blue-tainting has occurred before (notably in 2015), and authorities advise reporting blue animals to the Wildlife Health Lab.