Blackbirds facing threat from Usutu virus outbreak in Denmark

If you have space, please place any dead blackbirds in your freezer. The reason is that the bird virus Usutu has arrived in Denmark, and this is particularly troubling for blackbirds, which are highly susceptible to the infection. This situation could lead to a significant loss of the population. Researchers want to autopsy the birds to gain insights into the virus and its spread.

Tim Kåre Jensen, a veterinarian and veterinary pathologist at the University of Copenhagen, stated that they do not know how quickly the virus has spread or the extent of that spread. “If you see a dead blackbird, song thrush, or other thrush birds, we would like to be informed,” he said.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and has moved from southern Africa to Europe over the past 50 years, culminating in an outbreak in Denmark. “We are interested in observations, dates, and locations of where the dead birds have been found. We will register this information, which will be used to map where Usutu is present. When we receive the blackbirds we need, we can test them for the virus,” he added.

If you find a dead blackbird, you can report it via email at [email protected] or learn more at vildtsundhed.dk. You may collect the bird, place it in a plastic bag, and report your find; you will receive instructions on whether it needs to be collected.

Recently, many Danes have noticed fewer blackbirds visiting their gardens, with instances of finding sick or dead birds. It’s concerning that blackbirds are dying, as they bring joy with their song.

Despite the losses, Jensen reassures that there is no immediate threat to humans or pets from the virus, which does not transmit after a blackbird’s death. While the virus can affect individuals with a weakened immune system through mosquito bites, it is not fatal to humans but can cause mild symptoms like fever and headaches.