In 2015, 11 dead mute swans were submitted to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for post-mortem investigation. Whilst the cause of death of these birds varied, they were all negative for avian influenza virus.
The DWHC will continue to monitor the health status, and in particular, the occurrence of toxoplasmosis in the Dutch squirrel population and you can help by reporting finding a dead squirrel via the submission form on our website.
The DWHC regularly receives reports of or questions about deer with ‘bald spots’ (alopecia) or even almost entirely bald animals. This February two such animals were submitted to the DWHC for post-mortem exam.
In mid-March two buzzards from the Broekpolder were delivered to the bird sanctuary in Delft with signs of regurgitation; one died shortly after and the other, which developed seizures, was euthanized; both were submitted to the DWHC for post-mortem exam. Although poisoning was suspected based on the clinical
Help us by reporting finding a dead raccoon or raccoon dog
Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonides) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) are spotted with increasing frequency around the Eastern border of the Netherlands. Both animals can carry pathogens that can cause disease in humans. For example, raccoon dogs may be
A hare submitted to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for post-mortem investigation was suspected of having tularemia based on changes seen in the tissues under the microscope. Infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, was confirmed by molecular testing performed at the Central
In 2016, the green finch was selected as the focus species of the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) and together with partner organisations we ask you to help us research this common garden bird by reporting findings of dead birds. to the DWHC.
Since 2011 all hares submitted to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for post-mortem investigation have also been tested for the presence of talremia bacteria by the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI). As of January 1st 2016 the DWHC will no longer be collecting non-fresh (i.e. dead for more than 24 hours)
This week the type 2 form of the lethal RHD virus was confirmed in wild rabbits in the Netherlands. The virus, first encountered in France in 2010, was found in three wild rabbits from the Dutch provinces of Utrecht, Gelderland and South Holland that were submitted to the DWHC for post-mortem exam. Another