In a troubling development for the Orlando community, it has been confirmed that avian flu is the cause of a rising number of swan deaths at Lake Eola. This revelation has sparked concern among residents who cherish these graceful birds as an emblem of downtown Orlando.

As of this week, the city’s records indicate that 20 swans from the Lake Eola flock have succumbed to the virus. The situation worsened when another swan, exhibiting symptoms typical of avian flu, was admitted for treatment earlier on Tuesday. This brings the total loss to nearly 30% of the park’s swan population.

Dr. Geoffrey Gardner, the dedicated veterinarian who has overseen the health of these swans for over two decades, remarked that while this is not the park’s first encounter with avian influenza, the current outbreak is the most severe in recent memory.

Confirmation from city officials came on Monday, following necropsies, or animal autopsies, performed on the initial batch of deceased swans, which verified the presence of avian flu.

For the many who frequent Lake Eola, this news is a poignant reminder of the fragility of this beloved symbol of the city. Efforts are now focused on managing the outbreak to protect the remaining swans in this cherished urban oasis.

“They’re going to have to build up herd immunity and it’s going to run through the flock, including the waterfowl,” Gardner said. “And then next year or next this summer, the birds that are left will be immune.”

Orlando previously dealt with an avian flu outbreak in February 2024, but Gardner said the virus mutates much like the flu in humans, which can make each outbreak different. While bird-to-human transmission is rare, he said avian flu can present similarly in both people and birds.

“Weakness, in appearance, the nasal and ocular eye discharge,” Gardner said. “So similar to humans. Yeah. I’m very similar people. And it is transmitted through secretions from respiratory secretions.”

Some residents have raised concerns that the water quality at Lake Eola may be contributing to the spread of the virus, but Gardner said that is not the case.

“The water quality itself doesn’t have anything to do with avian influenza,” Gardner said. “The city manages that because it’s part of the park, and to my knowledge it’s always within the standards.”

As the outbreak continues, Gardner said efforts are focused on protecting the swans that remain. That includes treating birds that show symptoms and attempting to slow the spread of the virus.

“We are trying to mitigate the spread by using baking powder,” Gardner said. “And that’s an antiviral, kind of like Tamiflu in people. And we’re trying to get birds out of the lake that are showing signs and get them some treatment to see if we can try to minimize the spread of the virus while they get through it.”

Despite posted warning signs around the park urging people not to feed the birds, Gardner said some visitors continue to ignore the guidance.

“You can educate but you can’t fix stupid,” he said.

City officials said a team is monitoring the swans around the clock and emphasized there is no alternative location where the birds could be relocated safely.