Wildlife

Wild Mute Swan Lead Poisoning Welfare

Mute swans are among the most commonly affected UK birds from lead poisoning, primarily from ingested fishing weights and shotgun pellets.

Key Facts

Lead fishing weights and split-shot were banned in the UK in 1987 following mass swan deaths
Legacy lead in waterways continues to cause poisoning decades after the ban
Shot lead from wildfowl shooting is an ongoing source on some rivers
Swans ingest lead while feeding on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates
Signs include wing droop, green staining around the beak, and inability to hold the head up

Welfare Considerations

Swans poisoned by lead undergo progressive neurological deterioration over days to weeks, causing weakness, inability to eat, and eventual death. Lead poisoning is entirely preventable through non-toxic alternatives. Ongoing lead from wildfowling is a preventable welfare harm. Removal of legacy lead from waterways reduces long-term risk.

What You Can Do

Never use lead fishing weights - use non-toxic tungsten or steel alternatives
Support campaigns for non-toxic shot requirements in wildfowl shooting
Report sick swans to local wildlife rehabilitators or the RSPCA