Category: Research Results

Hundreds of reports of dead blackbirds Usutu-virus detected in 8 Dutch provinces Joint message from the DWHC, Erasmus MC, Sovon, Vogeltrekstation NIOO-KNAW, Vogelbescherming

Usutu virus was recently detected for the first time in the Netherlands but has been circulating in Europe for some time. To-date it has been identified in captive great grey owls (Strix nebulosa) and in living and dead blackbirds (Turdus merula).

Since the first rabbit deaths in 2015 from the new rabbit virus, RHDV-2 (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) it has continued to cause deaths in wild and pet rabbits in the Netherlands.

After the discovery of the initial outbreak of ranavirus in the Netherlands in the Dwingerveld National Park in 2010 subsequent outbreaks have been closely monitored in order to better characterize the emergence of the disease and its potential ecological impact.

Duck plague was found to be the cause of death in three Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) from Midden-Kennemerland, a region in North Holland.

In February 2016 a forest ranger reported finding a dead fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the Dutch province of Gelderland. As it was the fourth report out of this area over a short space of time the carcase was submitted for post-portem exam at the DWHC.

In the first few months of 2016 more birds of prey with oral inflammation were submitted to the DWHC than in previous years. The inflammation appeared to be caused by parasitic worms and cause difficulty with consuming prey, leading to energy shortage and ultimately death. A case report about buzzards in the

The green finch was selected as the focus species of the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for 2016.

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.