ORLANDO, Fla. – Four cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in swans at Lake Eola Park by Orlando officials.
City staff discovered several deceased birds at the park over the past two weeks, which led to consultations with local veterinarian experts. As a result, two deceased swans were sent out for necropsies, both of which tested positive for bird flu. Additionally, two more birds were found dead this past weekend. Subsequent tests confirmed that these swans also had Avian Influenza.
In response to these findings, a city spokesperson emphasized that there is no suspicion of criminal activity related to the avian flu cases, prompting the Orlando Police Department to cease their investigation. The public was taken aback by the news, as it was just released by the city of Orlando on Tuesday.
Visitors to Lake Eola Park expressed concerns about the situation, with one individual mentioning the fear of exposing children to potential harm. Another visitor highlighted the need for immediate action to protect the beloved birds at the park.
Moving forward, city officials have committed to monitoring and reporting any new cases of Avian Influenza, taking necessary precautions to safeguard the community. Signs have been erected around the park to alert visitors about the recent bird deaths, while proactive disinfection measures have been implemented to maintain public safety.
While Avian Influenza can be transmitted to humans, city officials stress that such occurrences are exceedingly rare, citing only one reported case in the U.S. since 2022. Symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the regular flu, with individuals advised to avoid direct contact with birds at the park and take proactive measures to prevent contamination.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommended allowing the flu to run its course in the bird population, as some birds may develop immunity. Orlando remains committed to ongoing monitoring and disinfection efforts to contain the spread of Avian Influenza and ensure the safety of visitors to Lake Eola Park.