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Usutu Virus Detected in Scotland

Published on 18 Jun 2026

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Usutu Virus Detected in Scotland
  • Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was detected for the first time in blackbirds in Scotland in summer 2025; confirmed on Isle of Arran.
  • Public announcement made on 1 April 2026 by Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) through reverse transcription-PCR testing.
  • Scottish samples belong to Africa 3.2 lineage, indicating spread from existing UK detections rather than new introduction.
  • Primarily affects wild birds, especially blackbirds; human risk remains very low with no UK cases reported.
  • Part of ongoing avian disease surveillance in the UK.
Source: SarkariPariksha