Red lights flashing as BTO warns of deadly threat to blackbirds from mosquito-borne virus

                                                  

Fears that virus could lead to nationwide demise of familiar garden songbird 

                                 

ALARM bells are sounding on the fate of one of Britain's best loved garden songbirds.

The BTO announced today that the blackbird is in "rapid decline", especially in Greater London.

The decrease is being attributed to the mosquito-born Usutu virus.

Says the Thetford-based organisation: "First detected in Britain in London in summer 2020, Usutu virus is potentially fatal to blackbirds.

"Our concerns are growing as the virus appears to be spreading across South-east England."

The virus was first identified in South Africa and has been present in mainland Europe for three decades. 

Usutu is typically spread by bird-biting mosquitoes which rarely bite humans. 

When it does occur, human infection is often asymptomatic, and there have been no known  human cases of Usutu detected in Britain to date.

The spread of the virus has been linked to climate change.

Somewhat worryingly, the BTO continues: "Although the risk to humans from Usutu virus is low, this is the first time in modern history that a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis (a disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans) has emerged in the UK.

In response to the threat - which, it is feared, could spread to the rest of Britain - the BTO is to  launch a  Blackbirds in Gardens survey in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding of what factors might influence the risk of disease transmission. 

This is part of a project which is also being supported by  the Animal and Plant Health Agency  the Zoological Society of London  and the UK Health Security Agency.

Says Dr Hugh Hanmer, Senior Research Ecologist with BTO: "Blackbird numbers have been decreasing in Greater London for some time. 

"However, from 2020 they started declining more strongly, which coincided with the detection of Usutu virus. 

"There is now evidence of a wider decline in southern England, not seen in other UK regions. 

"The BTO survey will seek  to understand why this change is happening and to identify any link to the emergence of Usutu virus. 

"By better understanding how Blackbirds use our gardens, we hope to halt the decline."

BTO is asking for anyone with access to a garden to take part in the survey. 

Simply sign-up online at www.bto.org/blackbirds-gardens. 

Here you will find further information, and full instructions of how to take part.