Garden owners with blackbirds have been urged to take immediate action to protect the much-loved birds, which are currently under threat from a deadly disease. Householders have been offered straightforward guidance on how to safeguard the species, which is being ravaged by the Usutu virus.
The warnings follow a recent government investigation that discovered the disease is spreading across the UK, after testing on dead birds was carried out. In a report, the UK Health Security Agency revealed that the first cases were identified in London in 2020.
The agency confirmed the virus had been identified in Dorset, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent in 2024, and is now thought to be widespread across the south of England. It stated: “Ongoing declines in the highly susceptible blackbird population have continued to be observed in Greater London since 2020 indicating that the virus may still be circulating and having a significant impact within this host species. This is corroborated by repeated USUV detections in blackbirds in Greater London since 2020.”
It further stated: “As the disease spreads, scientists and ecologists are calling on the public for help.”
How you can help blackbirds
There are several things you can do to help reduce the spread of the Usutu blackbird virus. RHS Senior Wildlife Expert Helen Bostock and Senior Ecologist Caitlin McLaughlin shared some top tips.