Wildlife

Wild Buzzard Rodenticide Threat 2026

The welfare threat to common buzzards from secondary rodenticide poisoning and progress on regulatory reform.

Key Facts

Common buzzards are now widespread in the UK following persecution reduction
Secondary rodenticide poisoning is documented in a significant proportion of buzzard carcasses
Buzzards scavenge small mammals killed by rodenticides, accumulating anticoagulants in their livers
Regulatory restrictions on second-generation rodenticides are partial and inconsistently enforced
Wildlife toxicology monitoring programs track rodenticide exposure in UK raptors

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes hemorrhagic suffering and death for buzzards and other raptors. The compound builds in tissues from multiple small exposures before causing clinical signs. This invisible, slow poisoning is preventable through better rodenticide regulation.

What You Can Do

Advocate for stronger second-generation rodenticide restrictions
Report any dead or sick buzzards for toxicological examination
Use alternative rodent control methods that do not introduce rodenticides into food chains