BARABOO, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials with the International Crane Foundation, headquartered in Wisconsin, have confirmed the first death of an Endangered Whooping Crane due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.
According to a release from the International Crane Foundation, an Endangered Whooping Crane, named “Ducky,” died earlier this month, on September 18, due to bird flu, confirming the first death of a Whooping Crane to HPAI.
Suspect in deadly Sheboygan Falls shooting officially charged with homicide, details released
Officials say “Ducky” was part of the ICF’s breeding and reintroduction program and was at the ICF’s headquarters in Baraboo being costume-reared by the aviculture staff. “Ducky” was also expected to be released this fall into the wild with seven other Whooping Cranes at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ducky. Each Whooping Crane is invaluable—not only to our organization, but to the survival of the entire species.
Kim Boardman, Curator of Birds at the International Crane Foundation
“Ducky” is said to have likely gotten the virus from a wild bird or from the environment itself, as Avian Influenza is said to be able to persist in the environment for extended periods of time. Wild birds like ducks, geese, and swans are known carriers of the virus and can spread the infection through feces that contaminate bodies of water.
There is said to only be about 700 Whooping Cranes left in the wild throughout North America, with fewer than 70 individual birds in the Eastern Migratory Population, meaning that the death of one bird reflects more than 1% of the reintroduced population.
NHTSA: Recall issued for nearly 200,000 BMW vehicles due to fire risk
At this time, IFC officials say the other seven Whooping Cranes that were held at the Horicon NWR with “Ducky” for a fall release are not showing symptoms at this time, but will be under careful observation as they may have also been exposed to the virus.
Each crane lost is a call to action for all of us. Together, we must ensure that Whooping Cranes not only survive but thrive for generations to come.
Kim Boardman, Curator of Birds at the International Crane Foundation
