In early June, a juvenile Bald Eagle was spotted near a road in Parksley, Virginia [Accomack County]. Several days later, the eagle showed up near a poultry farm in the same area – while the eagle was unable to fly, it eluded capture for several more days. The bird was finally able to be captured, and passed through the hands of two permitted rehabilitators before it was transported to the Wildlife Center on June 16.
Dr. Adam Naylor examined the young bird, and found what appear to be pox lesions and scarring on the skin around the bird’s eyes. The eagle’s beak is also deviated to the right – likely caused by an old pox lesion. This is similar to Buddy’s beak – it looks as though the eagle’s growth plates on the beak have been damaged, causing what is likely a permanent deformity. In addition to the suspected avian pox, Dr. Adam found an old, healed fracture of the eagle’s right wing – both the radius and ulna were fractured about a month ago. A well-formed callous is present, and during the healing process, the two fractured bones in the wing fused together [called synostosis]. The eagle is also thin.
The veterinary team gave the eagle fluids and anti-parasitic medication to treat for the flat flies and lice that were present on the eagle. The bird was set up in the Center’s isolation room, because avian pox is contagious to other birds. The team anticipates that the eagle will need to remain in the isolation room for the next six weeks. The eagle is being housed in a unit donated to the Center by members of the Norfolk Eagle Support Team International.
If the beak deviation is permanent, the Bald Eagle will be non-releasable – though should be able to be placed as an education bird. The veterinary team will like perform surgery to correct the synostosis – despite the fact that the bird may be non-releasable, it will be a good experience for the new veterinary team this summer, and may also make the bird more comfortable down the road. The eagle’s beak growth and pox lesions will be monitored carefully in the coming weeks, and Echinacea will be provided to stimulate the eagle’s immune system.