New director of the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre



Since February 1st 2024, Judith van den Brand has been the new director of the DWHC. She has continued the work of Andrea Gröne who has been the director for 15 years and has played an important role in research into Dutch wildlife health and disease. Andrea has increased the visibility of the DWHC among a broader public and will remain connected to the DWHC as a researcher and pathologist.

Veterinary pathologist Dr. Judith van den Brand is conducting a physical examination on a deceased wolf. Here, she is measuring the wounds. Photo ©: Marielle van Uitert.

Judith: “The Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) is a unique expertise center that conducts research on diseases among wild animals. The developments surrounding avian influenza and the COVID pandemic highlight the increasingly significant role of research into diseases in wild animals within the ‘One Health’ approach, as diseases can impact humans, animals, and the environment. These developments inspire us to continue delivering added value. I am excited to contribute to this now as director and am very grateful to Andrea for everything she has done for the DWHC over the past years.”