A Grounded Beauty

It is a small thing—way smaller than a speeding bullet, as deadly as a charging car, and as insidious as a loss of habitat. But, it can still “take out” a large numbers of birds of all sizes. Aspergillus fumigatus is a formidable opponent. Aspergillus is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring fungus that is found in abundance, particularly in rotting vegetable matter. In avian species, it can do its damage when inhaled by an already compromised animal—working its deadly way into the respiratory system. If caught early, it might go no farther than the syrinx (voice box). The bird’s voice will change, signaling a problem at this point. Birds that live in captivity have a better chance of having the disease caught at this stage if the caretaker is aware of the change.		This Bird is Ringed with Attitude His Focus is Unmistakable
If the fungus proceeds to the air sacs, the problem is compounded. Air sacs are structures in the cavity of the bird that look like plastic bags filled with air. They are found around the internal organs and function among other things to mitigate the heat given off from the organs. They allow the birds to fly at high altitudes and are part of the respiratory system but not of the gaseous exchange. If the fungal infection invades the air sacs, it might not be immediately observable, but as the fungal refuse invades the area of the air sacs a shortness of breath will result. If the fungal infection thrives, a fungal-derived toxin can destroy the liver, resulting in a loss of appetite, discoloration of the mute, weakness, marked weight loss, and death. This silent killer can affect many species of birds, but some are more susceptible than others. Penguins, flamingoes, ostriches, waterfowl, and parrots like the African Grey are among some of the most often infected. This fungal killer also victimizes raptors, birds of prey. In particular, this insidious disease affects first-year red-tails, goshawks, gyrfalcons, snowy owls, and golden eagles.		His Sight is Sound For Him the Jury is Still Out

When golden eagle number 99-1866 came into our facility, his right shoulder was fractured at the humerus. His weight, usually at 8 pounds, was down to 61/2 pounds. He was greatly emaciated and dehydrated. He was a victim of an accident—a bad choice or bad luck—and was unable to hunt. He was starving and represented the classic definition of a bird under severe stress. What better chance was there for this opportunistic predator to take hold? In moves aspergillus fumigatus.

The disease was spotted in golden eagle number 99-1866 through blood tests, and treatment with anti-fungal medication was administered. The fractured wing was pinned, healing nicely. The titer in new blood tests showed exposure to the disease but none currently present in the blood. Yet, he still could not fly without being winded like an out-of-shape runner. The fungus had taken its toll on the air sacs.

Exploratory surgery revealed a large nodule in an air sac in the lower body, and it was removed. Unfortunately there are more of these nodules that must come out. “Why,” you might ask, “is so much being done for one bird?” But if you could look at him, you would find that there is a good answer. You would find it in the fire in his eyes. It is in the feathers—still shiny and strong. The bird is ringed with attitude. His focus is unmistakable. The message from his being screams of a desire to feel the wind separate his primaries once again as he dances over lands and wild places.

The decision to release or not release is made carefully. A verdict to not release is usually made because the animal is not properly imprinted; its flight is compromised in some way; its ability to hunt and care for itself or to have a quality of life in the wild is not in its future. But with number 99-1866, none of the reasons apply. His sight is sound; his wings are strong, and the power in his talons supports his ability to take prey, and he has no doubt that he is a golden eagle. In his case, air sacs invaded by fungal residue have robbed him of freedom.

For him the jury is still out.

We hope that we can ultimately report of surgical success and a magnificent release. But for now, he remains a victim of a small predator—he remains a grounded beauty.