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.
Preprint server:
bioRxiv
The authors list and abstract were imported from bioRxiv on 12 Jun 2026.
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