Category: Research Results

Mannetjes merel op berkenstam

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
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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
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The beaver stays the focus species of the DWHC in 2024

As in 2023, the beaver (Castor fiber) is the focus species at DWHC in 2024. The choice for the beaver as the focus species is motivated by the desire to receive more dead beavers for research into their cause of death. This allows us to better investigate what health issues beavers may have and to gain more
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Foto van haas met roodgekleurde, kratervormige tumor op de neusbrug

Hare with a connective tissue tumour on its head

In early March 2024, a hare (Lepus europaeus) was found in the village Callantsoog, province of North-Holland, with a large growth on its head. The hare was dying. A few months earlier, another dead hare had been found at the same location, but that animal showed no external abnormalities. The dead hare with the
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Wolf died of a bacterial infection

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
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Occurrence of bird flu is currently low, but stay vigilant

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.
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