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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
10:17
The Tail Suspension Test
Published on: January 28, 2012
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White-Tailed Sea Eagle (
Oliver Krone1, Anja Globig2, Reiner Ulrich3
1Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany. krone@izw-berlin.de.
Viruses
|September 13, 2018
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 caused fatal infections in young white-tailed sea eagles in Germany. This new virus strain poses a significant threat to this protected species across Eurasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Previous avian influenza incursions did not cause significant mortality in white-tailed sea eagles.
- The H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b virus emerged in Germany during the 2016/2017 winter season.
- White-tailed sea eagles are a protected species with a wide distribution range in Eurasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of recent, numerous fatal infections in white-tailed sea eagles.
- To identify the specific influenza virus strain responsible for the observed mortality.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological findings associated with the infection.
Main Methods:
- Real-time RT-PCR and partial nucleotide sequence analysis for virus detection and identification.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected birds.
- Immunohistopathology to detect viral antigen in affected tissues.
- Atomic absorption spectrometry to rule out lead poisoning.
Main Results:
- Seventeen HPAIV H5N8-positive white-tailed sea eagles were detected between winter 2016 and April 2017.
- Affected birds, primarily young eagles (<5 years), exhibited severe neurological signs.
- Histopathology revealed polioencephalitis, and lead poisoning was excluded as a cause of death.
- Positive cloacal swabs indicated potential for viral shedding via feces.
Conclusions:
- The H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b virus is the first highly pathogenic avian influenza virus documented to cause fatal disease in European white-tailed sea eagles.
- This virus strain represents a novel and serious health threat to white-tailed sea eagle populations throughout Eurasia.
- The findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and potential intervention strategies for this vulnerable species.
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