Keep a look-out for bird flu

In the Netherlands, increased mortality is occurring again in waterbird, birds of prey and scavengers as a result of bird flu. Carnivorous mammals are also affected by bird flu (https://dwhc.nl/bunzing-en-vossen-besmet-met-vogelgriep/).

It is very important to report dead birds and mammals. This provides a better overview of the geographical distribution of the virus in wild animals (see map) and also keeps track of locations with increased mortality. Where the birds can be reported depends on the number and the bird species, see below in the reporting guide. Mammals can be reported via the form.

Measures on hygiene

Bird flu is a zoonosis (disease transmissible from animal to human). Dealing with dead wild birds therefore requires the necessary measures to ensure a good hygiene. The NVWA website contains a manual for employees of the Animal ambulance and the Society for the Protection of Animals for cleaning up dead wild waterbird.

Guide on reporting dead birds

• To clean up dead birds, you can report the animal to the rightful owner or manager of the location where the dead bird is found. For more information, see dwhc.nl/vragen/#opruimen. DWHC does not clean up dead animals themselves.
• To report dead wild birds for statistics (to gain insight into the scope of mortality) both the form on the DWHC website, as well as the Sovon website can be filled in.
• To report dead birds for research, please fill in the form on the DWHC website.
  Please note: only animals packed in two layers of plastic at a postcode address are eligible for collection. Indicate in the comment section that the bird is ‘available’. Double packaging is no guarantee that the animal will be collected for research. Based on the colour on the municipal map, the bird species and the number of reported birds, DWHC decides whether or not to collect the reported bird. The possible option for research is coordinated with the reporter via email or telephone.
• When handling a dead animal, general hygiene measures must be followed (see Frequently asked questions | Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC)).

• Dead backyard chickens or backyard birds? Report them to your veterinarian. You can only report dead wild birds to DWHC and thus no dead backyard chickens or backyard birds. Regarding captive birds, you can contact your veterinarian. The veterinarian can examine the dead animals if necessary (costs are at your own expense).
  If necessary, the veterinarian can report an animal disease to the NVWA via (045) 54 63 188.