Officials at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument have reported a presumptive positive case of avian influenza, or bird flu, in a deceased juvenile bald eagle. The bird was discovered at the park on January 4th. Upon initial testing by the United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, which received the eagle for evaluation, the virus was detected.
The samples from the eagle have been forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories for further confirmatory testing. This step is critical to verify the initial results and to understand the potential impact on the bird population within the park.
In an effort to keep the public informed, updates regarding the case will be regularly posted on the park’s official website and through its social media channels. Visitors and bird enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for these updates as the situation evolves.