Mute swans and other waterfowl continue to die from lead poisoning after ingesting lost fishing weights and contaminated watercourses, despite partial bans on lead fishing tackle.
Lead poisoning in swans causes a prolonged and distressing decline. Affected birds show wing droop, progressive weakness, and loss of coordination over days to weeks. Without treatment, death is inevitable. The condition is entirely preventable if all lead fishing weights are replaced with non-toxic alternatives. The continued use of banned and non-banned lead fishing gear, combined with contaminated watercourses from historical use, maintains a preventable source of suffering.