Spanish Imperial Eagle GPS tracking aids West Nile virus detection

The Junta de Andalucía's Department of Sustainability and Environment has utilized GPS technology to monitor Spanish Imperial Eagle chicks, a move that is also aiding in the detection of the West Nile virus. This year, 29 GPS transmitters were installed on chicks across key areas, including 15 in the Doñana Natural Space, 11 in Granada, and three in Cádiz.

Because the Spanish Imperial Eagle is highly sensitive to the West Nile virus, the birds serve as sentinel species for the ecosystem. The GPS devices allow researchers to quickly locate individuals showing abnormal movement patterns or those that appear ill or deceased.

In a recent instance, the system identified two marked chicks in Doñana with poor physical condition. Although the birds died after being rescued, subsequent testing confirmed they were positive for the West Nile virus. This allowed authorities to declare infection foci to animal health services, enabling local populations to implement preventive measures against mosquito bites.