Wildlife

Barn Owl Welfare and Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning

Barn owls are declining in the UK partly due to secondary poisoning from second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides used in agriculture and pest control.

Key Facts

Studies show over 90% of barn owls tested in the UK have rodenticide residues
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides persist in prey and bioaccumulate
Barn owls eat primarily field voles which can carry high rodenticide loads
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use aims to limit agricultural rodenticide use
Barn owls are classified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species

Welfare Considerations

Sub-lethal rodenticide exposure causes immune suppression, increased susceptibility to disease, and reduced breeding success. Lethal exposure causes internal bleeding with prolonged suffering before death. Owls that appear healthy may be carrying significant rodenticide burdens affecting long-term survival. Nesting females pass compounds to eggs reducing hatch rates. Chick mortality from maternal exposure affects populations already stressed by habitat loss.

What You Can Do

Support campaign for responsible rodenticide use and first-generation-only requirements
Donate to barn owl monitoring and nestbox programs
Advocate for restrictions on second-generation rodenticide agricultural use
Provide barn owl nestboxes to support breeding pairs
Engage with farmers on alternatives to rodenticide use for pest management