Filenews 14 March 2023
The effects of secondary poisoning caused by rodenticides on birds of prey are devastating according to BirdLife Cyprus.
Specifically, in their post they state:
We need your help to protect wildlife from the devastating effects of secondary poisoning caused by rodenticides.
In addition to their use in residential areas to protect human health, rodenticides are also used in agriculture to protect crops from rodents. However, this practice can have disastrous consequences for birds of prey that feed on rodents. When birds consume rodents that have consumed rodenticide, the poison accumulates in their bodies, often reaching deadly levels.
Recently, the Game and Fauna Service in collaboration with the Veterinary Services and the State Chemical Laboratory found rodenticide residues in samples taken from birds of prey found dead or injured, mainly near roads, in various areas of Cyprus. This is alarming and highlights the extent of secondary poisoning in wildlife.
However, there is something we can all do to help. If you find an injured or dead bird of prey, please let us or the Game and Fauna Service know with an exact location and photos so that the bird can be collected and examined in a timely manner. This information will help us better understand the extent of secondary poisoning in wildlife and take the necessary measures to protect it.
Game & Fauna - Paphos - office hours 26 306211. Out of hours 99 445679
