Wildlife

Wild Waterfowl Lead Poisoning: Ammunition Reform and Welfare

Lead shot ingestion by waterfowl from spent ammunition causes chronic poisoning and death on a large scale.

Key Facts

An estimated 50,000-100,000 swans are affected by lead poisoning annually across Europe
Waterfowl ingest lead shot from sediment while filter feeding and foraging
Lead poisoning causes progressive neurological damage, weakness, and death over weeks
UK voluntary lead shot phase-out for waterfowl shooting is replacing lead with steel shot

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes prolonged neurological suffering in affected waterfowl. The scale of impact across millions of birds annually makes this one of the largest preventable wildlife welfare problems. Mandatory lead shot replacement for all shooting would eliminate this welfare cost within years.

What You Can Do

Support BASC and Wildlife Trust campaigns for mandatory lead shot phase-out
Report swans or waterfowl showing weakness and green droppings (lead poisoning signs)
Contact WWT for lead poisoning treatment options if you find an affected bird