First Usutu virus detections in wild birds in Scotland, 2025
Ionescu, A.-M.; Jones, B.; Bruce, R. C.; Mccraken, F.; Johnson, N.; Clough, C.; Robinson, C.; Stevenson, H.; Howie, F.; Kirby, G.; Lee, M.; Killen, K.; Dominoni, D.; Baker, P.; Davies, E.; Carmichael, R.; Parvy, J.-P.; Pondeville, E.; Ferguson, H. M.; Folly, A. J.
Show abstract
In summer 2025, several Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula) deaths were reported on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Initial investigation included post-mortem examination, where no diagnosis was achieved. Following Orthoflavivirus and avian paramyxovirus testing, Usutu virus RNA was detected in two Blackbirds by reverse transcription-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified Usutu virus Africa 3.2 lineage which clustered closely with existing UK detections, indicating geographic expansion rather than a new incursion. Subsequent surveillance confirmed the presence of several potential mosquito vector species.
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