Category: Research Results

As was seen in 2017, we are currently receiving reports of  many Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) dying within one week. The birds are described as looking sick, hunched and emaciated, and not flying away. Two birds showing such signs recently underwent post-mortem exam at the DWHC. The cause

At least nine bodies of prey were found in the stomach of the wildcat that was run over in the Dutch town of Nijswiller in February 2017. The animal was in good health and it appears that pure misfortune led to it being run over whilst crossing a country lane. Wildcats have been seen in the Netherlands for a few

Pathologist Marja Kik (DWHC, Utrecht Veterinary Faculty) reported the initial findings of the post-mortem on the dead wolf: “Interestingly, apart from some tapeworms, the stomach and intestines were completely empty suggesting that the animal had not eaten for around 48 hours.”

Ranavirus has been detected in the province of South-Holland in both water frog larva and salamanders. The animals were were found at two different locations, one located in the far east, in the triangle of the provinces of South Holland – Utrecht – Gelderland, the other location being in the middle of

On the 26th October 2016 a disorientated beaver (Castor fiber) that was walking in circles was picked up by the wildlife sanctuary Faunavisie Wildcare in the north of the Netherlands. It was originally thought that the animal had been hit by a car as it was found in the ditch by the side of a busy road. However,

Vaccination for pet rabbits is essential  

Much like last year, there have been large numbers of reports of dead blackbirds, the majority of which are thought to be infected with Usutu virus.

In the wake of the 2016 Usutu virus outbreak, surveillance of live and dead blackbird numbers in April of 2017 revealed that the virus is once again active in the Netherlands.This was paralleled by a slight increase in the number of dead blackbirds reported to the DWHC compared to the preceding weeks. According to

What is it? The Usutu virus originated in Africa and is named after the Usutu river in Swaziland. It can cause disease in birds and is transmitted by midges. The virus rarely causes disease in humans.

At the beginning of June 2017 a roebuck in the province of Utrecht was spotted behaving oddly; the animal showed no flight response and stood still rather than fleeing when approached. The animal was euthanised by a nature warden and submitted to the DWHC for post-mortem exam.