Usutu virus, a threat to Blackbirds? (2 Viewers)

[Andy Adcock]

Mosquito-borne killer disease threatens blackbirds

The disease has spread great distances, with scientists racing to understand the risks.

www.bbc.com

 

[Xenospiza]

Last year, almost 90% of Blackbirds in the district of Borken in Germany died (source in German added).
I live in a neighbouring district and I wake up to a single singing Blackbird, which is eerie...

Usutu-Virus befällt Amseln: Fast 90 Prozent der Amseln in Borken tot

Seit Monaten breitet sich das Usutu-Virus auf Amseln im Kreis Borken aus. Die Lage sei so schlimm wie noch nie.

www1.wdr.de

 

[HH75]

Why is it Blackbirds that are affected, rather than, say, all Turdus thrushes? Hopefully the population can build up enough herd immunity to survive and thrive again in affected areas.

 

[Xenospiza]

This seems to be unclear...
It "helps" that Blackbirds are common and (certainly the males) conspicuous, so they are easily found by the public.

 

[Jacana]

Even closely related species living in the same habitats can have vastly different responses and susceptibility to a disease. It doesn't surprise me at all that there is a variation here with Usutu.