Barn Owl Welfare and Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides 2026

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in barn owls through prey consumption, causing internal haemorrhage and death. UK monitoring programs in 2026 continue to show high rates of SGAR exposure in barn owl carcasses.

Key Facts

Studies show over 90% of UK barn owls tested post-mortem carry detectable SGAR residues
SGARs including brodifacoum and bromadiolone accumulate through the food chain
Barn owls feeding on poisoned rodents accumulate SGARs to lethal concentrations
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) promotes best practice to reduce exposure
UK regulations restrict some SGAR uses but do not eliminate exposure pathways

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls dying from SGAR poisoning experience progressive internal haemorrhage causing weakness, inability to fly, and death over days. The delayed action of SGARs means that owls may accumulate lethal doses from multiple prey items before clinical signs appear. Sublethal exposure impairs breeding success and increases susceptibility to other stressors. The high prevalence of SGAR exposure in UK barn owls represents a chronic, systemic welfare problem linked to agricultural and household rodent control.

What You Can Do

Follow CRRU guidelines on responsible rodenticide use and avoid SGARs where alternatives exist
Support Barn Owl Trust campaigns for restrictions on second-generation rodenticides
Never use SGARs in barn owl habitat without following CRRU professional standards
Advocate for DEFRA review of SGAR regulations based on continued wildlife monitoring data
Donate to RSPB and Barn Owl Trust monitoring and advocacy programs