Bird flu seems to be spreading

This message was updated on December 24, 2024; the map has been updated with the latest results.

Bird flu seems to be spreading among wild birds in the Netherlands. Since November 2024, the virus has been confirmed in birds from the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, North Holland, Flevoland, and South Holland (see figure). In total, there are 21 positive cases, mainly geese, several birds of prey, and a mute swan. It is important to report dead birds. This provides a better picture of the geographical distribution of the virus and of the spread among different bird species.

Found a dead bird?

Bird flu is a zoonosis (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans). The DWHC advises the public to be careful when approaching dead wild birds, to adhere to hygiene measures, and to report dead animals. If you have found a dead animal and want to send it in for pathological research, it is important that the animal is double-wrapped in plastic. Please be mindful not to touch the animal with your bare hands. A manual on how to deal with wild animals suspected with bird flu can be found on the website of the government: Guideline for dealing with wild animals with bird flu | Report | Rijksoverheid.nl (only available in Dutch).

Please continue to report dead animals

Dead birds can be reported via the websites of the DWHC or Sovon. We have been working together for years to detect early signals of unusual bird mortality. Some of the reported birds are collected to be tested for bird flu*.

Reports are essential for us to know about what is going on in nature, and everyone who has reported an animal is sincerely thanked!

* Not all animals can be collected for research.