ORLANDO, Fla. – Nine swans have died at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park since Dec. 23, prompting an investigation into what city officials fear could be an avian flu outbreak.
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said most of the dead swans were either young or recent additions to the lake’s iconic swan population.
The deaths occurred after the birds had received clean bills of health during the park’s annual swan roundup health screening last month. Initially, it was said 12 swans were dead. However, it was clarified it was nine swans and two other birds.
The city placed signs at the park that were titled, “Lake Eola Park Alert.” The message then said, “Please take the following precautions for yourself and/or your pets:
- Avoid direct contact with birds and only observe them from a distance
- Do not feed birds
- Avoid contact with any bird excrement
- Remove your shoes before entering your home and clean them off if contamination is suspected."
The avian flu has appeared at Lake Eola before, and the virus is a leading suspect in the sudden deaths, according to Sheehan.
[FLASHBACK VIDEO: Volunteers round up Lake Eola swans]
Officials scheduled a necropsy for Monday to determine the exact cause of death.
Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, is famous for its swan population, which has been a beloved feature of the park for years.