Discovery of deceased birds along Florida’s Space Coast in Central Florida has sparked worries about a potential avian flu epidemic.
Although no cases have been officially verified, the Florida Wildlife Hospital, a nonprofit organization, reported that samples collected from the deceased birds in Brevard County are currently undergoing testing.
Experts from the organization suggest that the virus might be entering the state through the large-scale migration of birds from northern areas.
Tracy Frampton, who serves as the executive director of the Florida Wildlife Hospital, shared with Fox 35 Orlando that the migratory birds are under vigilant observation.
A deceased seabird was spotted on a beach in Brevard County along Florida’s Space Coast, adding to the apprehension regarding a potential avian flu outbreak. (Michael Shay)
“The virus spreads with remarkable ease, and if the birds bring it with them from the north as they migrate, it certainly poses a threat, so we remain vigilant,” Frampton explained.
She said the sickness affects the brain and that neurological issues have been noted in the past. Avian flu last broke out in Florida in 2022, when thousands of birds died.
“They could not keep their head upright. They’re swimming in circles, maybe falling over, just really messed up their neurological system,” Frampton said.
A person touches a test tube labelled “Bird Flu”, in this file picture illustration. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)
Michael Shay, a local beachgoer, recorded several dead birds lying within several feet of each other on a beach last week.
“It’s very sickening, very disheartening,” he said.
Shay said he witnessed dead pelicans, seagulls and gannets.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials told Fox Orlando that avian flu was not easily transmissible from birds to people but urged the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds while the situation was under review.
A dead seabird lies on a beach along Florida’s Space Coast in Brevard County, where wildlife officials said bird samples were sent out for testing.A dead seabird was found on a beach along Florida’s Space Coast in Brevard County amid concerns about possible avian flu. (Michael Shay)
It comes as Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan held a news conference on Monday to discuss the deaths of at least a dozen swans at Lake Eola Park that died at the downtown park in recent days. The cause remains unknown, though Sheehan speculated avian flu could be responsible.
She said the swans’ bodies are being stored so necropsies can be performed.
Avian flu has been confirmed in poultry flocks in other parts of the country, according to federal data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which shows nearly 2,000 flocks have tested positive nationwide since 2022.
Recent outbreaks were documented at poultry farms and backyard flocks in states including Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska and New York, affecting more than 128,000 birds combined.
