Barn Owl Rodenticide Secondary Poisoning Welfare

Secondary poisoning from rodenticides is a major welfare threat to barn owls and other predatory birds - targeting poisoning at rodents creates an unintended toxic chain.

Key Facts

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in rodent tissues and poison predators
UK surveys find SGAR residues in up to 90% of barn owls tested post-mortem
Poisoned barn owls may bleed internally for days before death - a welfare harm with no external sign
SGARs are licensed for use by professional pest controllers but sold directly to the public
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) promotes best practice but compliance is limited
Welfare-positive alternatives include trapping, proofing buildings against rodent entry, and barn owl nest boxes

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning of barn owls is a diffuse, widespread welfare harm that kills thousands of birds annually in the UK. The internal bleeding caused by anticoagulants is a prolonged and painful death. The irony is that barn owls and other raptors are the most effective natural rodent controllers - killing the predator that controls the prey. Preventing secondary poisoning requires behaviour change across pest control professionals, farmers, and the public. Supporting barn owl nest box schemes and reducing rodenticide use directly improves barn owl welfare while maintaining rodent control.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (brands including Brodifacoum, Difenacoum) in gardens
If professional rodent control is needed, specify non-SGAR methods or short-acting rodenticides
Install a barn owl nest box on agricultural buildings or suitable trees in open farmland
Report dead or dying birds of prey to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS)
Support Barn Owl Trust campaigns for rodenticide regulation reform
Engage with farmers about barn owl-friendly farm management including nest boxes and SGAR reduction