Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Bald Eagle(s)

Some of the greatest threats to wildlife are the ones most people never see.

Earlier this month, two immature Bald Eagle were admitted after being found at a landfill in Loudoun County. A third eagle was reported down at the same location but was able to fly away before rescue could be attempted.

Both eagles presented with severe neurological abnormalities including lethargy and ataxia, meaning they were uncoordinated and unable to move normally.

In wildlife medicine, these signs can point to several possible causes. Lead poisoning is common in scavenging species like eagles and vultures, but although both birds had elevated lead levels, those levels were not high enough to explain the severity of their condition.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was also considered, though the birds lacked many of the hallmark signs we often see with that disease. Samples were submitted for testing, and results are still pending.

Based on the location where these birds were found, the clinical signs they displayed, and their rapid response to treatment, we strongly suspect these eagles were suffering from pentobarbital toxicity.

Pentobarbital is the drug most commonly used for humane euthanasia in companion animals.

While it is highly effective and compassionate for its intended purpose, the chemical remains present in the body after death. When euthanized animals are improperly disposed of or become accessible to scavengers, the results can be deadly for wildlife.

To treat these eagles, our veterinary team administered intensive intravenous lipid emulsion therapy multiple times daily during their first several days in care.

This treatment helps bind fat-soluble toxins like pentobarbital in the bloodstream so the body can safely eliminate them. Thankfully, both birds responded remarkably well and made a complete neurological recovery.

After several days of intensive care and monitoring, both eagles were successfully released near their original found location.

Cases like this highlight the interconnectedness of wildlife, domestic animals, environmental stewardship, and public policy. Although disposal of euthanized animals in landfills is legal in Virginia under certain conditions, strict protocols must be followed to prevent scavenger access. When those safeguards fail, the impacts can ripple through the ecosystem.

Importantly, we do not believe Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) was involved in this poisoning event. In fact, LCAS utilizes cremation for euthanized animals, exceeding state requirements and helping reduce the risk to wildlife.

You can help protect scavengers like eagles and vultures by choosing cremation for pets euthanized with pentobarbital whenever possible. If burial is selected, animals should be buried deeply, ideally at least six feet underground and away from water sources, to reduce the risk of scavenger exposure and environmental contamination.

As apex scavengers, Bald Eagles play an important ecological role by helping remove carrion from the environment. Unfortunately, that same behavior also places them at risk from hidden toxins introduced through human activity.

We are grateful to Loudoun County Animal Services, Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education, and Sycolin Creek Elementary School for helping rescue, transport, and release these incredible birds.

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