Wild Buzzard Rodenticide Welfare

Buzzards are increasingly affected by secondary rodenticide poisoning as these compounds accumulate in prey species. The welfare implications of rodenticide poisoning in buzzards and other raptors are significant.

Key Facts

Buzzards feeding on poisoned rodents accumulate anticoagulant rodenticides in their livers
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides including brodifacoum and difenacoum have high bioaccumulation
Studies find detectable rodenticide residues in a significant proportion of tested buzzards
Anticoagulant poisoning causes internal haemorrhage that is a prolonged and painful death
Restriction of second-generation anticoagulants to professional use only has reduced but not eliminated exposure

Welfare Considerations

Buzzards poisoned by secondary rodenticide accumulation die slowly from internal haemorrhage. This welfare suffering is preventable through reduction in rodenticide use and improved carcass management preventing secondary exposure. Restricting second-generation anticoagulants to licensed professional use and requiring sealed-bait stations significantly reduces raptor exposure.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide availability
Report raptors showing suspected poisoning symptoms to wildlife organisations
Advocate for mandatory veterinary prescription requirements for the most toxic rodenticides