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Blackbirds under threat from mosquito-borne virus
Usutu virus was first detected in the UK in 2020.
Researchers ask public to help monitor UK blackbird numbers.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is asking the public to take part in a new survey to help it monitor the impact that Usutu virus is having on UK blackbirds.

The mosquito-borne virus was first detected in the UK in London in 2020. Since then, blackbird numbers, which were already in decline, have decreased much more strongly in the Greater London Area. There is also evidence of a wider decline in the south of England.

The virus’ spread has been linked to climate change. It was first identified in South Africa and has been present in mainland Europe for three decades. It is now considered to be endemic in South East England.

The BTO researchers hope that the Blackbirds In Gardens survey will help them to form a clearer picture of the possible spread and impact of the virus on blackbirds in a wide range of different locations, both urban and rural.

Usutu virus can be transmitted to humans. However, the bird-biting mosquitoes which carry it rarely bite humans and infections in people are mainly asymptomatic.

The survey is part of Vector-Borne RADAR, a government-funded project being run in partnership with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the UK Health Security Agency, and the Zoological Society of London.

Arran Folly, a senior scientist at APHA and Vector-Borne RADAR project lead, said: “Our Vector-Borne RADAR project is helping to develop a better picture of emerging mosquito-borne viruses and the findings from BTO’s Blackbirds In Gardens survey will be invaluable in building a better understanding of how the virus could be impacting our blackbird populations.

“I would urge any garden owners to take part and help us keep track of this virus.”
 
Those wishing to take part in the survey can sign up here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

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News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.