Archive: 2024

The last couple of weeks, an above average amount of ill and dead common blackbirds has been reported to the DWHC from all over the Netherlands. A selection of these birds has been examined and tested positive for infection with the Usutu-virus. This virus has caused a higher mortality among common blackbirds

During the breeding seasons of 2022 and 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused increased or even mass bird mortality among wild birds in the Netherlands. Certain waterbird species that breed closely together in colonies, such as gulls and terns, were particularly affected. To the relief of bird

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

Foto: © vinder In November 2023 a young wolf was found dead in the mud in the woods of the Northern Veluwe, a nature reserve in the centre of the Netherlands. The animal could not free itself and died. It was brought to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DHWC) in Utrecht where it was investigated by ecologists

Since the last major outbreak of bird flu in 2023, mainly among gulls and terns, the spread of bird flu among wild birds in the Netherlands has been relatively little. However, the virus is still around. It is important to stay vigilant on sick and dead birds.

Bird flu is still present among wild birds in the Netherlands. The virus is now endemic in wild bird populations and still causes mortality, although fortunately less than last summer. Some birds have built up partial protection (immunity) against the disease, which means they die less quickly but are also sick

African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in two wild boars found dead in Montenegro, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The wild boars were found on January 12th, 2024. It was likely that ASF would appear in Montenegro as it was confirmed in North Macedonia in 2022 and in Bosnia and Herzegovina,

In late December 2023, it was announced that a polar bear had died from the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Alaska. The polar bear was found dead in October near Utqiagvik in the North Slope region. This is the first polar bear reported to have died from bird flu. As the chances of finding a dead polar