A BACTERIAL infection was the most likely cause of death of Sawaga-Dalwangan, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) confirmed on Wednesday.
The eagle died on July 18 despite weeks of treatment and apparent signs of recovery following her rescue.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PEF said laboratory results from tissue samples taken from the eagle’s liver, heart, and spleen showed evidence of a serious bacterial infection that had spread throughout her body.
Bacteria were detected in her liver, and inflammation and damage were found in several organs, including the liver and heart.
Together with the findings from her medical examination and necropsy, the results show that a widespread bacterial infection was the most likely cause of her death (bacteremia/ septicimia).
The tissue changes suggest the infection might have developed over a subacute to chronic period, possibly beginning weeks before she died, according to the PEF.
When Sawaga-Dalwangan was rescued on July 3, she was already in a compromised state showing dehydration, lethargic, and heavily soiled, with external wounds, maggot infestation, and injuries associated with airgun pellets.
These conditions made her more susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection.
While the eagle showed encouraging signs of improvement, where her wounds began healing, became better hydrated, her appetite improved, and she displayed normal behaviors again, a later examination found that a serious infection remained present in her body.
Sawaga-Dalwangan suddenly developed generalized seizures on July 18 and died shortly afterward despite immediate emergency care.
“We are sharing these findings because Sawaga-Dalwangan’s story deserves an ending based on scientific evidence, and because everyone who followed her journey and hoped for her recovery deserves to understand what happened,” PEF said.
Copies of the Comprehensive Veterinary Report and the Histopathological Examination Report may be requested from the Philippine Eagle Foundation through info@philippineeaglefoundation.org
The histopathological examination was conducted by the Central Mindanao University College of Veterinary Medicine.
To note, the eagle was found near the Sawaga River in Barangay Dalwangan in Malaybalay City.
Barangay Dalwangan lies within the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, which holds the second-oldest known breeding territory for the species, with nesting activity documented continuously since 1986, making it one of the longest-monitored Philippine Eagle nesting territories in the world.
PEF reported that there are an estimated 400 breeding pairs of the Philippine eagle left, emphasizing its strengthened protection.
