The Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) in Utrecht is the national centre of expertise for diseases in wild animals and the central point of contact for reporting dead wild animals.
In addition to developing and disseminating knowledge, the DWHC investigates causes of death, identifies wildlife diseases, and assesses the dangers these diseases pose to public health, the health of domesticated animals, as well as to the wild animals themselves. By informing the public, the DWHC raises awareness that diseases in wild animals can pose significant risks to the health of humans and animals. It also forms an essential link in the ‘One Health’ approach to diseases.
The DWHC is affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University (UU). Its activities are funded by the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), as well as the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UU.
Organisation
The DWHC team consists of 9 employees, some of whom perform duties for the DWHC full-time and others part-time:
| Name | Job description |
| Dr. J.M.A. van den Brand (DVM, Dipl. ECVP) | Director, researcher and pathologist |
| Prof. Dr. A. Gröne (DVM, Dipl. ECVP, Dipl. ACVP) | Researcher |
| Dr. J. Rijks (DVM, EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Wildlife Population Health) | Researcher (ecology & epidemiology) |
| Dr. V. Caliendo (DVM, Dipl. ACZM) | Researcher |
| Dr. J. IJzer (DVM, Dipl. Vet. Pathol. NL) | Pathologist |
| Dr. E.A.W.S. Weerts (DVM, Dipl. ECVP) | Pathologist |
| H. Hesselink | Administration |
| T. ten Berge | Administration |
| M. Montizaan | Communication |
In addition, the work of the DWHC team is supported by other members of the pathology department of the UU including receptionists, autopsy room technicians, trainee pathologists and interns.
Activities
- Performing post-mortem investigation into the cause of death in cases of unusual mortality in wild animals through pathological examination.
- Monitoring and identifying major diseases in wild animals, in collaboration with affiliated institutions.
- Setting up and conducting specific research projects in cooperation with partners.
- Assessing and advising on the risks to humans and animals posed by diseases occurring in wild animals.
- Developing and disseminating knowledge about diseases in wild animals and how to manage them.
- Raising public awareness that diseases in wild animals can also have major consequences for captive animals and human health.