Bye-Bye Blackbird?

 

Climate change is now posing a threat to the UK Blackbird (Turdus merula). Global heating encourages the spread of the mosquito. These biting insects are vectors for the Usulu virus, that's currently deadly to these much-appreciated song birds. Blackbird mortalities from Usulu infections, are now spreading in southern England  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj3x6v05ly6o#:~:text=Infected%20insects%20can%20spread%20the%20deadly%20Usutu%20virus,been%20linked%20to%20declines%20in%20some%20blackbird%20populations.). UK birdwatchers are being encouraged to monitor their area's blackbirds. It's hoped that, eventually, resistant bird strains will emerge. It's not, of course, just blackbirds who will be subject to new diseases as a result of rampant climate change.