Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning Prevention

Barn owls are accumulating lethal levels of rodenticides from poisoned prey, with second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides causing population-level welfare harm.

Key Facts

Studies have found second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in 80% of tested barn owls
SGARs including brodifacoum and bromadiolone cause fatal internal bleeding in raptors
Poisoning via prey does not cause immediate death, creating prolonged suffering
Barn owl populations are declining partly due to SGARs in intensively managed landscapes
Barn owl nest box programmes support populations but cannot address poisoning causes

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes prolonged suffering in barn owls through internal haemorrhage. The widespread contamination of barn owls reflects systematic misuse of rodenticides in agricultural landscapes. Reducing SGAR use through integrated pest management prevents this welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Follow the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use guidelines
Never use SGARs outdoors where non-target predators can be exposed
Support barn owl monitoring programmes to track rodenticide contamination
Advocate for tighter regulation of SGAR use in agricultural settings