Pests news from BPCA

06 April 2022

Rare UK eagle’s rodenticide death shines spotlight on need for responsible rodent control

PRESS RELEASE | Stewardship

A poisoned white-tailed eagle found in Dorset is dramatic and regrettable evidence of the need for universally responsible use of rodenticides, states the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use.

Rare UK eagle rodenticide death shines spotlight on need for responsible rodent control

"Whether caused by deliberate abuse or unintended secondary poisoning from eating poisoned rodents, this incident rightly focusses attention of how rodenticides are used," says CRRU chairman Dr Alan Buckle.

Under the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime, operated for an HSE-led expert panel by CRRU since 2016, rodenticides authorised for professional use can only be purchased by competence-certified individuals.

Their practical use by pest controllers, farmers and gamekeepers alike is allowed only by trained people.

A highly detailed Code of Best Practice along with a practical 'How to...' newsletter have been made available widely by CRRU and can be downloaded from thinkwildlife.org/downloads.

Brodifacoum and birds of prey

Media reports say brodifacoum was the rodenticide that may have been involved in the rare eagle’s death. Brodifacoum is approved for use by HSE under strict conditions in and around buildings and in sewers.

The eagle was found on an unnamed Dorset estate in January, having been released on the Isle of Wight in a reintroduction programme.

White-tailed eagles had become extinct in the UK in the early 1900s.

Police and other government officials carried out an investigation that was inconclusive and is now closed.

CRRU’s Dr Buckle suggests that finding the cause and a culprit, if there is one, for incidents like this can be impossible because the victim may have travelled many miles from the site of exposure.

Downloads

CRRU Code of Best Practice

How to…’ newsletter

Source:

Highlights View all news

13 March 2025

Latest news

Hantavirus and the role of pest control in preventing its spread

Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.

Read more

06 November 2024

Latest news

CRRU UK prepares rodenticide users for 2026 certification requirements

CRRU UK confirms that from 2026, sellers of professional-use rodenticides will only accept two forms of proof of competence at the point of sale.

Read more

06 June 2024

Latest news

Minister Pow changes mind on glue board licensing scheme (England)

As a result of BPCA’s lobbying efforts, Minister Pow has asked for changes to the glue board licensing regime in England. 

Read more
Latest View all news

29 May 2025

Latest news

VOTING OPENS in BPCA member elections - 13 candidates stand for SIX places on BPCA Board

Voting has officially opened in the BPCA Member Elections 2025, with 13 nominees standing for SIX open seats on the Executive Board.

Read more

28 May 2025

Latest news

Lodi UK’s Adventure Networking is back!

This is not your average industry meet-up. This is a high-octane, adrenaline-filled pest extravaganza designed to bring together pest professionals for one unforgettable experience!

Read more

27 May 2025

Latest news

Cleankill staff put their best feet forward for charity

Press release: Two Cleankill colleagues have been raising money for the Royal Marsden cancer charity.

Read more