Considerable mortality of blackbirds due to usutu is reoccurring
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

Increased mortality in hares due to myxoma-like virus infection
Since August 1st, the number of reports of sick and dead hares (Lepus europaeus) has increased. These reports are mainly from Gelderland and Overijssel.
Read more

Sick and weakened swans: “zombie swans”
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.
Read more

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

Once again an increased mortality of common blackbirds
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
Read more

Less reports but bird flu still prevalent
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
Read more

Update: African swine fever found on the other side of the Rhine
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
Read more

Special cases in red squirrels
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
Read more

Italy: tick-borne encephalitis found in a roe deer and a chamois
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.
Read more

Newsletter ENETWILD
ENETWILD is an international European consortium in which research institutions specializing in wildlife and animal diseases collaborate with a large open network of partners on questions posed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The management and monitoring of fauna are studied, mainly in relation to
Read more


