Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Secondary Poisoning

Barn owls are particularly vulnerable to rodenticide secondary poisoning through accumulation of anticoagulant compounds from prey, causing widespread mortality.

Key Facts

Over 80% of barn owls tested in the UK show evidence of rodenticide exposure
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides accumulate in prey animals and their predators
Barn owls eat mainly voles and shrews, which may carry rodenticide residues
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use advocates for reduced rodenticide use
Alternative rodent control including trapping has lower secondary poisoning risk

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes internal bleeding and slow death in barn owls. The welfare cost of secondary poisoning is significant and invisible - affected owls deteriorate over days to weeks before dying. Switching to alternative rodent control or using rodenticides only as a last resort within buildings directly reduces this welfare cost.

What You Can Do

Avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides wherever possible
Use rodenticide only inside buildings and in tamper-proof bait boxes as a last resort
Support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use guidelines