ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — In the past week, 12 swans were found dead at Lake Eola Park, according to Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first two swans were found dead Dec. 23, and over the past five days, that number has risen to 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheehan explained that the deaths happened during the holidays, and specialized veterinary experts were not available at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she said the deaths are suspected to have been caused by an avian flu outbreak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We can’t be certain until tests are completed,” Sheehan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The swans are currently stored in a secure location, awaiting necropsies to determine the cause of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2024, city staff discovered several dead birds at Lake Eola Park. Orlando officials later confirmed the cases were linked to avian influenza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
lake eola swansOfficials confirm positive cases of bird flu amid multiple swan deaths at Lake Eola The community can do certain things to protect itself, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid contact with any excrement from birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing shoes when entering homes and cleaning them off if contamination is suspected.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"