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Even though reports indicate that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is still circulating in wild birds in the Netherlands, this has not led to an increase in wild bird mortality in over 6 months. However, with the autumn migration of birds new variants of the virus might be introduced that can change the

From July to September 2024 increased disease occurrence and correlating mortality were noticed, especially in blackbirds. Reports to the DWHC and Sovon increased steeply (see also Read more

Since August 1st, the number of reports of sick and dead hares (Lepus europaeus) has increased. These reports are mainly from Gelderland and Overijssel.

At the end of last year, the DWHC received the first reports of stunned and weakened swans that behaved like “zombies”. At first, it was thought that there was a resurgence of bird flu (Avian Influenza, AI) among swans. However, investigation showed that they were not infected with it.

The annual report containing an overview of all activities of the DWHC for 2023 is now available. Click here to view the annual report.

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

On July 6th in Rheinland-Pfalz, near the city Gimbsheim, one sick and one dead wild boar were found. One of these boars was confirmed to be infected with African swine fever by the Friederich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) on July 9th. This area is located on the opposite side of the Rhine from the previously reported

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris, hereafter referred to as the squirrel) is a protected species in the Netherlands. Research by the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) on dead squirrels has found that trauma is the most common direct cause of death. This trauma can be caused by a fall, but also by collisions or

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an inflammation of the brain and/or its membranes caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and as the name suggests, it is transmitted by infected ticks.