The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed that Usutu virus (USUV) has been identified in blackbirds in Scotland for the first time through its national passive wild bird surveillance programme.

The virus has previously caused significant declines in blackbird populations across parts of Europe and southern England. It has been circulating in south-east England for the past six years, although there have been no recorded human cases in the UK to date. Health officials say the risk to the public remains very low, with human infections considered extremely rare.

The Scottish detection follows surveillance work carried out by APHA’s Vector-Borne Disease Group in partnership with SRUC Veterinary Services and the Mosquito Scotland research programme, led by the University of Glasgow.

Samples were submitted after residents on the Isle of Arran reported several blackbirds during the summer of 2025 that were either found dead or displaying neurological symptoms.

Professor Heather Ferguson, Mosquito Scotland project lead at the University of Glasgow, said:
Mosquito-borne diseases are increasingly likely to get a foothold in the UK, including in Scotland, as our environment continues to change.  In Scotland, we should take this finding as an opportunity to invest in robust surveillance systems to boost preparedness for detection and response.

It is fortunate that this detection of Usutu in Scotland has coincided with when the Mosquito Scotland project is running.  When news of suspicious Blackbird deaths consistent with Usutu came through, we were able to almost immediately deploy a team of experts to Arran for rapid follow up and investigation. This allowed us to confirm the presence of several different mosquito species near the locations where infected birds were found, including several known to be capable of spreading Usutu.

Scottish Government issued a press release warning in April 2026 - this was not widely shared and we heard about this by chance! 

Public Asked to Remain Vigilant
With mosquito season now under way from April through to October, members of the public are being encouraged to report any dead wild birds, particularly songbirds and owls, as well as any birds showing signs of neurological illness such as disorientation, weakness or difficulty flying.

Residents are also being advised to reduce standing water around homes and gardens to help limit mosquito breeding sites during the warmer months.