Necropsy on Honeymoon Eaglets Reveals Lung Infection

A preliminary necropsy reveals two recently deceased eaglets on Honeymoon Island likely succumbed to a lung infection.

Although the final report was not ready, Barbara Walker of the Clearwater Audobon Society issued preliminary results late June 10, just hours after news of a deceased osprey chick from the nest under surveillance at DunedinOspreyCam.org was released.

Walker issued preliminary findings in an email to Dan Larremore, environmental specialist at Honeymoon Island State Park: 

"... The eaglets had Airsacclitis, swelling of the lung tissues, which could have been bacterial or fungal.  One disease that eagles are known to get is Aspergillosis which is a fungal lung infection." 

It is a naturally-occurring respiratory infection, Larremore said.

Another pair of eaglets in Dunedin perished a little over a month ago, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It was determined those birds died of avian pox.

The osprey, affectionately named "Sparky," died when it was taken in for banding Monday afternoon. It will undergo a necropsy.

Related Coverage

• Last Chick in 'Dunedin Osprey Cam' Nest Dies
• Baby Bald Eagle Receives Medical Care
• Bald Eagles Making a Comeback in Florida
• Congratulations! It's a Baby Osprey
• First Osprey Hatches in Osprey Cam Nest
• Osprey Courtship Results in Season's First Egg at Dunedin Nest

Editor's Note: This article was updated to reflect the correct origin of an eaglet avian pox case at 12:28 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2013.

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