Advocates of the iconic swans at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando are pushing the city to take further steps to keep the swans safe following a recent bird flu outbreak.>> The video above is previous coverage.This comes after dozens of swans died in the last few weeks.Volunteers have raised concerns about ongoing trash accumulation in the lake and its contamination risks to the birds.Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer addressed these concerns at a council meeting on Monday, promising the city would review its care of the swans.BackgroundThe first nine swans, in addition to the other two birds, were found in December. Since then, the number has continued to rise. An investigation determined the birds were positive for avian influenza, a virus that spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds, including swans. City officials say they are taking all necessary precautions as recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as local veterinarians, to keep the community safe and limit the spread of avian influenza, also called bird flu.In 2024, city staff discovered several dead birds at Lake Eola Park. Orlando officials later confirmed the cases were linked to avian influenza.The FWC recommends allowing avian influenza to run its course, as some birds may build immunity.Officials say they are working to disinfect the park and will provide an update if the virus continues to spread.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people rarely get sick with bird flu; however, there are ways to limit exposure to the virus:Avoid direct contact with the birds at Lake Eola Park and only observe them from a distance. This goes for both people and pets at the park.Avoid contact with any excrement from birds.Remove shoes when entering homes and clean them off if contamination is suspected.For more information, click here.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Advocates of the iconic swans at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando are pushing the city to take further steps to keep the swans safe following a recent bird flu outbreak.
>> The video above is previous coverage.
This comes after dozens of swans died in the last few weeks.
Volunteers have raised concerns about ongoing trash accumulation in the lake and its contamination risks to the birds.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer addressed these concerns at a council meeting on Monday, promising the city would review its care of the swans.
Background
The first nine swans, in addition to the other two birds, were found in December.
Since then, the number has continued to rise.
An investigation determined the birds were positive for avian influenza, a virus that spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds, including swans.
City officials say they are taking all necessary precautions as recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as local veterinarians, to keep the community safe and limit the spread of avian influenza, also called bird flu.
In 2024, city staff discovered several dead birds at Lake Eola Park. Orlando officials later confirmed the cases were linked to avian influenza.
The FWC recommends allowing avian influenza to run its course, as some birds may build immunity.
Officials say they are working to disinfect the park and will provide an update if the virus continues to spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people rarely get sick with bird flu; however, there are ways to limit exposure to the virus:
Avoid direct contact with the birds at Lake Eola Park and only observe them from a distance. This goes for both people and pets at the park.Avoid contact with any excrement from birds.Remove shoes when entering homes and clean them off if contamination is suspected.
For more information, click here.