Warning to anyone who sees blackbirds in their garden this summer over deadly virus decimating critical species
A WARNING has been issued to gardeners to look out for blackbirds this summer.
Almost half of the species' population has been decimated from a mosquito-borne disease.
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Blackbird population has been on decline over a deadly virus
Credit: Getty
Scientists are now calling on UK households with gardens to monitor blackbird population.
Anyone whose garden gets frequented by the bird has been asked to participate in a national research.
The deadly Usutu virus has reduced the blackbird population in Greater London by 40 per cent since 2020.
The disease is spreading rapidly across the UK, especially in the southern parts of England.
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Now, there are concerns that more mosquito-borne diseases could spread in the
future
.
Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) told
BBC: "We've seen that the virus has spread further than we thought it might do, and it's persisted.
"Blackbirds specifically are quite susceptible to the virus.
"It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK."
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Scientists have urged the public to note how many blackbirds they see within a particular time frame and enter that information into a survey.
You will also be asked to look out for any behaviours such as foraging for food.
'Intense' mystery symptoms with baseball-sized swelling in mosquito bite victims leave doctors stumped
Participants are encouraged to complete one survey per week.
The British Trust for Ornithology said: "The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK.
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"If you have access to a garden, have an interest in garden birds and can recognise a Blackbird by sight, then this survey could be for you!"
The survey will run until September and takes 15 minutes to complete.
It comes as gardeners have been
Wildlife
enthusiasts recommend putting off the outdoor task until June 21, reports the
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T
he warning has even been backed by
Sir David Attenborough
.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
*If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue
Nick Grey,
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
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