Veterinary Insecticides May Be Killing Off Our Songbirds

A University of Sussex study, published in Science of the Total Environment and funded by Songbird Survival, has linked Veterinary insecticides to increased mortality in British songbirds. Researchers analyzed 103 nests of blue and great tits, testing for 20 insecticides. Fipronil, imidacloprid, and permethrin were most prevalent, found in 100%, 89.1%, and 89.1% of samples, respectively. Nests with higher insecticide levels showed more dead offspring and unhatched eggs, suggesting contact exposure through nest linings negatively impacts reproductive success.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) responded by emphasizing the importance of parasiticides for animal health but urged responsible use. BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux highlighted the need for more research into the environmental impact of these chemicals and recommended a risk-based approach when prescribing parasiticides, based on an animal’s specific exposure to parasites.