Avian Bornavirus Found in a Bald Eagle!

Scientists at the Schubot Exotic Bird Research Center have identified the presence of Avian Bornavirus in a Bald Eagle. The unfortunate eagle was found, unable to fly, by an east Texas roadside. It died within a few hours of admission to a rehabilitation center. Testing of its nervous tissues revealed that its brain contained avian bornavirus. Avian bornavirus has previously been linked to proventricular dilatation disease in parrots. This is the first time we have found it in a wild raptor. Investigations into how the eagle might have become infected are continuing but it likely acquired infection from eating infected waterfowl.

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