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The Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne disease exacerbated by climate change, is severely impacting blackbird populations in Britain, with Greater London’s blackbird numbers declining by approximately 40% since its detection in 2020. This virus, which originated in southern Africa 80 years ago, has spread across Europe and poses risks not only to blackbirds but also to other wild bird species, as climate conditions foster mosquito breeding. While there have been no reported human cases in the UK, past infections in Europe highlight potential health risks, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
