Usutu virus with links to yellow fever discovered in Scotland for first time

A mosquito-borne virus linked to the group of viruses that can cause yellow fever and West Nile virus has been discovered in Scotland for the first time.

The Usutu virus’ has been discovered in blackbirds on the Isle of Arran and reported through the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s surveillance programme.

It is transmitted by mosquitos and carried mainly by wild birds.

Locals on the island raised the alarm after seeing a cluster of blackbirds that had displayed “neurological signs” or were found dead during the summer of 2025.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said the virus has been known to cause “significant” blackbird population declines in many European countries, including the UK.

The virus has been circulating in the south-east of England for six years but the agency stressed there have not been any human cases to date and that the risk to the public remains “very low”.

Andra-Maria Ionescu, APHA National Reference Lab for Vector Borne Diseases manager, said: “The detection of Usutu virus in Blackbirds in Scotland shows that countries further North are now facing an increased risk of mosquito-borne viruses.

“These findings highlight the importance and need for improved, nationwide wild bird and mosquito surveillance to better assess the risks posed to animal and human health. APHA continues to remain at the forefront in the fight against this disease.”

Professor Heather Ferguson, Mosquito Scotland project lead at the University of Glasgow, has urged the country to use this as an “opportunity to invest in robust surveillance systems to boost preparedness for detection and response.”

The APHA urged the public to continue reporting any dead birds, particularly songbirds, owls or any bird showing neurological signs.

It is also encouraging people to keep their gardens free of any stagnant water to minimise any mosquito breeding grounds – particularly during the mosquito active season which runs from April to October.

For information about how to report dead birds visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds