UK's 6 Million Blackbirds Threatened by Mosquito-Borne Usutu Virus

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The UK has around six million breeding pairs of blackbirds, with many commonly seen in gardens, but now face danger from a new virus called Usutu.

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Bird watchers have seen fewer blackbirds in their gardens since 2020, especially in London.

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The Usutu virus spreads through mosquito bites and can kill blackbirds, with warmer weather helping mosquitoes thrive.

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Unlike other birds that fly away, blackbirds stay in UK during winter and need extra food to survive the cold months.

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Garden owners can help by putting out special bird food like mealworms and seed mixes on their bird tables

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The virus first showed up in London in summer 2020 and has now spread across southern parts of Britain.

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Bird experts will start counting blackbirds across the UK in 2025 to check if their numbers are falling everywhere.

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The blackbird population is currently stable, but experts say planting bushes that attract insects helps feed them naturally.

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Dry weather makes it hard for blackbirds to find food, so garden feeders become their lifeline for survival.

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