Anyone with blackbirds in garden asked to do simple thing as virus spreads

UK households are being called upon to aid scientists in tracking a mosquito-borne disease that's threatening the nation's blackbirds. Those with visited by these are urged to join a national study aimed at gauging the health of native bird populations. The Usutu virus, known for affecting blackbirds and spread by mosquitoes, is on the rise in the UK, particularly in the south.

This has coincided with a worrying decline in some blackbird populations, sparking fears for the future of these cherished songbirds. Experts are keeping a watchful eye on the situation, as global warming could allow mosquitoes and their associated diseases to widen their territory.

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To get a clearer picture of how the Usutu virus is impacting blackbirds, scientists are inviting those who spot these birds in their gardens to partake in a dedicated counting initiative.

The British Trust for Ornithology has stated: "The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK.

"If you have access to a garden, have an interest in garden birds and can recognise a Blackbird by sight, then this survey could be for you!" The newly launched survey will continue through September.

The public is being asked to keep an eye on the number of blackbirds they spot, as well as their behaviours such as foraging for food or using a pond or puddle.

The aim is for each participant to conduct a 15-minute survey once a week throughout the duration of the study, reports . This initiative is part of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, a joint effort between the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK Health Security Agency, and the Zoological Society of London.

"We've seen that the virus has spread further than we thought it might do, and it's persisted," Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) revealed to the .

Based in Weybridge, Surrey, APHA experts have been keeping tabs on mosquito-borne diseases in wild birds for years, due to growing concerns that climate change is turning Europe into a potential breeding ground for these insects.

This virus has been spreading worldwide and arrived in Europe three decades ago. However, in the UK, all test results were negative until 2020. Following the in the summer of that year, Usutu was detected in several blackbirds in Greater London.

"Blackbirds specifically are quite susceptible to the virus and since 2020 we've found a decline in blackbirds of approximately 40% in Greater London," Dr Folly disclosed.

"It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK."

Those interested in participating can sign up .