The UKHSA are inviting members of the gamebird and waterfowl communities to take part in an important citizen science study! By providing small blood samples from deceased gamebirds, waterfowl and other legal quarry, participants will help support the early detection and monitoring of emerging mosquito-borne diseases in the UK.
Usutu virus and West Nile virus are potentially emerging diseases in the UK which are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Both of these diseases have been a growing concern to the UK in recent years. As of September 2026, there have been no cases of human disease from Usutu virus in the UK, but there has been a number of detections in wild and captive birds across southern and eastern counties of England. There is limited evidence that West Nile virus has entered the UK, however the potential for infected migratory birds traveling into the UK via migratory flyways alongside the increased temperatures during the summer enhances the need for an early warning system to detect these viruses. Gamebirds, such as pheasants and partridge, are outside during the mosquito active periods and are susceptible to infection so offer a valuable opportunity to understand whether there is mosquito borne viruses circulating within the UK.
By taking a small blood sample from deceased gamebirds, waterfowl and any other birds that are legal quarry once they have been shot during the shooting season, you can contribute to an important national surveillance project that helps protect both animal and public health.
There are specific locations in the UK where there is a higher chance of detecting West Nile virus, or closely related Usutu virus, due to the temperature, mosquito habitat and presence of migratory bird flyways. Due to this we are currently asking for volunteers to provide samples from the shoots occurring in the East and South of England, our target locations are shown highlighted on the map. Please do pass on information about the study to other gamekeepers, estate owners or wildfowlers within these target areas to help the study grow and improve awareness within the community.
All sample kits and return postage packs will be provided and results of samples collected will be returned to the participants. For more information, if you are interested in taking part or have any questions about the study, please contact me at charlotte.tosdevin@ukhsa.gov.uk