ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando officials said on Monday that a total of 32 bird deaths at Lake Eola Park were linked to avian flu.
Among these, 26 were Royal Mute swans, including three wild mute swans, and six were other wild birds. Currently, 46 swans remain alive in the park.
The deaths come after an ongoing investigation that began in late December, when 21 bird deaths were initially reported. At that time, 19 of the deceased were Royal Mute swans.
In the meantime, a change.org petition to better protect the swans was launched. The petition is calling for “consistent, on-site expert care dedicated specifically to the health and welfare of its swans.”
It’s also asking the city to keep the lake and the surrounding swan habitat clean of garbage and debris, as well as to improve water quality in Lake Eola.
Orlando officials said that although people rarely get sick with bird flu, they should still try to limit their exposure to the virus by taking the following precautions recommended by the CDC:
- 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 city said its working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local veterinarians to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
Warning signs have also been posted throughout the park, advising visitors to keep their distance from birds and protect their pets.