Red Kite Welfare and Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning in the UK

Red kites have made a remarkable recovery in the UK but continue to suffer significant mortality from secondary rodenticide poisoning, particularly in farming landscapes where anticoagulant baits are used.

Key Facts

The UK red kite population recovered from fewer than 100 birds in the 1980s to over 10,000 today
Secondary rodenticide poisoning is one of the leading causes of red kite death in the UK
Kites are scavengers that consume poisoned rodents and rabbit carcasses carrying lethal bait residues
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in liver tissue over time
Post-mortem surveys show over 80% of kites tested carry measurable rodenticide residues

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes a prolonged and painful death in red kites through internal haemorrhage. Affected birds may suffer for days before dying from blood loss or are found disorientated and unable to fly. The widespread use of second-generation anticoagulants in agriculture and pest control has created a landscape-scale exposure risk for scavenging birds. Switching to first-generation rodenticides, implementing integrated pest management, and improving rodenticide stewardship would substantially reduce preventable suffering in this recovering species.

What You Can Do

Use rodenticide alternatives including snap traps and electronic rodent deterrents where possible
If rodenticides are necessary, use first-generation products and follow stewardship guidance
Dispose of rodent carcasses promptly to prevent access by scavenging birds
Report sick or dead red kites to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS)
Support campaigns for stronger rodenticide stewardship regulations in the UK and EU