FOUND OUT MORE SWANS AT LAKE EOLA HAVE DIED IN JUST THE LAST 30 MINUTES, THE CITY OF ORLANDO POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS OR SO, 21 BIRDS HAVE DIED. 19 OF THOSE WERE SWANS. THE CITY SAYS THE BIRDS TESTED POSITIVE FOR AVIAN FLU. THEY ARE NOW DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO PREVENT HUMANS FROM GETTING THE VIRUS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED RARE. THE CITY ADVISES NOT FEEDING BIRDS, AVOIDING DIRECT CON
21 birds found dead at Lake Eola in the last month; 19 were swans
Updated: 4:57 PM EST Jan 5, 2026
In the last month, a total of 21 birds have been found dead at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Nineteen of them were royal mute swans.The first nine swans, in addition to the other two birds, were found in December, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said.The first birds were found on Dec. 17, and 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 (FWC), 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 the avian influenza to run its course, as some birds may build immunity, and estimates a month of dissipation of infections. Officials say they are working to disinfect the park and will provide an update if the virus continues to spread.The CDC 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. —
In the last month, a total of 21 birds have been found dead at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Nineteen of them were royal mute swans.
The first nine swans, in addition to the other two birds, were found in December, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said.
The first birds were found on Dec. 17, and 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 (FWC), 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 the avian influenza to run its course, as some birds may build immunity, and estimates a month of dissipation of infections.
Officials say they are working to disinfect the park and will provide an update if the virus continues to spread.
The CDC 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.