Bird flu found in 2 dead swans at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – The city of Orlando is taking precautions after discovering two of Lake Eola’s famous swans, recently found dead, had bird flu.

The city confirmed to News 6 that it sent the bodies of a Royal Mute swan and an Australian Black swan for necropsies after several different birds at the downtown Orlando park were discovered dead. The city got the results back this week that the swans tested positive for Avian Influenza.

The city did not specify whether that is what the swans died of.

A city spokesperson says two Black-necked swans were found dead over the weekend. Police were notified because the city was concerned that the swans might have been victims of a crime, which has been an issue in the past.

Those bodies have also now been sent out for necropsies. The city is waiting for the results.

The USDA says bird flu is a virus that can affect waterfowl and other birds, and can be transmitted to humans, though the instances are rare. The last time a human case was reported in the U.S. was in 2022.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

Cases of Avian Influenza have occurred in Florida, including a case in July 2022 in Seminole County. The Florida Department of Agriculture has a program to deal with the virus.

The city of Orlando is working with veterinarians and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to limit the spread of bird flu among its birds at Lake Eola, including disinfecting surfaces around the park and washing equipment.

“The city will continue to follow the recommendations of FWC. Based on the size of the park and the bird population, they recommend allowing the Avian Influenza to run its course as some birds may build immunity and estimate a month of dissipation of infections,” a city spokesperson said.

City officials are also asking the community to avoid direct contact with the birds, avoid contact with any bird excrement, and if you visit the park, take your shoes off and clean them when you get home.

Lake Eola Park is home to dozens of swans from five species. The swans have been a beloved part of the lake since they were brought there in 1922 from Lake Lucerne.

Samantha Little with the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland told News 6 that the biggest concern should be the flu spreading to birds outside of Lake Eola.

“If you have your own chickens, that’s something I would be more cautious about,” she said. “Making sure you are cleaning your shoes. Make sure things going into those environments are really clean and not cross-contamination.”

She added that Florida first began experiencing high levels of bird flu in 2023.

“I mean, hundreds of vultures died last year in big flocks,” Little explained.

Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: