Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with Sores/Deformities?

Observation: Spotted several bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at the dump with boils/sores on their faces.

USGS Consult: Caroline Van Hemert writes: "From the images, I would suspect avian pox. This disease has been documented in bald eagles in Alaska previously. You might consider contacting the Bird Treatment and Learning Center to find out if they have received any cases recently or if their veterinarian would be able to comment from the images."

LEO says: We checked the USGS Field Manual to Wildlife Disease, chapter by Wallace Hansen to learn more about avian pox. Avian pox is caused by a large virus that can infect several species of birds including raptors. Mosquitoes are common transmitters of this disease but it can also be picked up from through cuts in the skin or the eyes. Birds with pox can appear to have warts in the areas where they have no feathers. The first case ever recorded in eagles was in 1979, and as sometimes occurs, the infection was in that bird lethal. On the topic of human health, Hansen writes, "Avian poxvirus is part of a larger family of poxviruses that includes the human disease known as variola or smallpox.However, there is no evidence that avipoxviruses can infect humans." Outbreaks have been reported around "feeding stations" which in effect for eagles, is what the dump is King Cove is. We would be interested to learn if birds with pox like symptoms are being seen in other parts of the Alaska Peninsula. M. Brubaker

USFWS Consult Steve Lewis from Juneau writes: "From the pictures, it looks to me like Avian Pox" Steve also provided a link to the related information at the National Wildlife Health Laboratory.

Resources:

Alaska Science Center – Alaska Raptor Group, "Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state. For conservation purposes, Boreal Partners in Flight categorizes raptors as "landbirds," along with songbirds, woodpeckers, and birds from several other families, because of their strong associations with terrestrial habitats. Many raptors are migratory or nomadic, spending nearly half their lives outside of Alaska, often in rapidly changing habitats. Resident species face unique challenges including the cascading effects of a rapidly warming and changing climate." Source: USGS ASC Boreal Partners in Flight

Alaska Department of Fish and Game – "Juvenile bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are often confused with golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Where the two species coexist, the bald eagle is distinguished by a lack of feathers on its lower legs and a whitish lining on the forward part of its wings."