West Friesland is currently being hit hard by bird flu. According to forest ranger Roelf Hovinga of Landscape of North Holland, more than 100 dead black-headed gulls have already been cleared. And how long the virus will continue to strike at this rate, one can only guess.
“We make a round at least 3 to 4 times a week. The only thing you can do is clear the birds as quickly as possible and hope that the virus will spread,” said forester Roelf Hovinga. Where last year it was mainly the North Sea and Wadden Sea coast that were affected, it is now West Friesland’s turn.
“Unfortunately, we have had experience with bird flu for several years in a row. In the vicinity of Den Helder, we had 1,100 dead Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns last year. Of the Sandwich Terns around Texel, 75 percent may have been wiped out. Next month it should be clear become how much of the population is left.”
Up to 10 dead birds per quest
In West Friesland there are not that many yet, but the Black-headed gulls are having a hard time. At the water storage in Twisk, Kerkepolder in Wognum and the Kolk van Dussen in Aartswoud, more than 100 dead black-headed gulls have already been culled. “And that out of a total of 700 to 800. We find 5 to 10 each time we search,” explains the forester.
It is difficult to say how it is possible that West Friesland is now suddenly affected. “One sick bird is enough. It seems that all weaker birds in last year’s affected area are now gone. And that places that were spared then are now up.”
Bird flu all year round
Where bird flu previously only occurred in the winter period, and only in birds that hibernated, the virus has been causing problems continuously for a few years now, says Hovinga. “Since last year it has also affected breeding birds in our own country. Then you find nests with dead older birds on the eggs. That is very sad and painful.”
In addition to the bird flu not disappearing, the virus is also mutating. “Researchers are also concerned that it is more likely to spread to mammals, including humans.”
Reason enough for the ranger to warn to stay away from dead birds. “Certainly if you see more, you can assume that it is bird flu. We have special gloves, disinfectants and even complete suits for it. So stay away yourself, but also with dogs.”
Direction needed: ‘Mopping with the tap open’
He advises calling the manager of the area to take action. However, there is still a lot to be gained in this area. “I have experienced that we tried to clear everything up as quickly as possible in our nature reserves, but that they remained in the fields next to us. Where bulb farmers have no idea what is going on.”
Hovinga believes that someone should take the lead. “We can’t have that right now. But it has to be solved, otherwise it’s mopping with the tap open.”