Dutch Peregrine Falcon Populations Plummet Due to Consecutive avian flu outbreaks
The Netherlands has witnessed significant population declines among both adult and juvenile peregrine falcons in recent years due to severe outbreaks of avian flu. These declines, most pronounced in the years 2016-2017 and 2020-2023, have led to a decrease in the number of both overwintering and breeding peregrine falcons in the country.
In 2023, a staggering 87.5% of tested peregrine falcons (28 out of 32) were found positive for the highly pathological HPAI H5 virus, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by avian flu to these majestic birds of prey.
Researchers have observed a more significant decrease in the number of overwintering peregrine falcons in the northern regions of the Netherlands following the 2016-2017 HPAI outbreak, compared to the southwestern part of the country. Since then, a general decline has been reported across the entire nation, although local increases have been observed, particularly in inland areas.
Scientists suggest that these local increases may be attributed to differences in dietary habits. Peregrine falcons in these areas might prefer feeding on pigeons, which have a low prevalence of avian flu, rather than waterbirds, thus reducing their risk of infection.
This research supports the long-standing assertions of pigeon fanciers and the Koninklijke Belgische Duivenbond (KBDB) regarding the low risk status of pigeons in transmitting avian flu, demonstrating that while pigeons can become infected, they rarely exhibit symptoms or spread the virus.
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