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Rare bird populations at risk of lead shot poisoning
The report notes particular concern about the impact of lead poisoning on the common pochard population.

Lead Ammunition Group publishes latest Update Report

Up to 400,000 wildfowl in the UK every year are thought to suffer from the effects of lead poisoning, according to a new report.

The report, compiled by the Lead Ammunition Group (LAG), suggests that lead poisoning may be affecting populations of freshwater duck, grey partridge, common buzzard and red kite. It also notes particular concern for the globally-threatened common pochard.

“Declining or recovering populations appear most sensitive to the effects of poisoning,” the report adds.

According to the British Association for Shooting & Conservation, at least 600,000 people in the UK go shooting every year. Many of these people use lead bullets to shoot, which disperse as they leave the barrel and drop to the ground. Birds then eat the particles, mistaking them for grit which they require for digestion.

Its latest Update Report, LAG cites several studies that confirm many types of non-lead bullets are effective, widely available and safer to the environment than lead ammunition. It adds that partial bans on lead ammunition, that cover only certain taxa or habitats, have proven to be ineffective.

Several international agreements have adopted Resolutions calling for governments to phase out lead ammunititon, or work towards this goal. These include the UN Convention on Migratory Species, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the United Nations Environment Programme Assembly.

In 2016, mindful that lead-contaminated game can also enter the human food chain, Forest Enterprise England asked its staff to use non-lead ammunition for deer and boar culling.

"There appears to be international scientific consensus on the wildlife and human health risks associated with the use of lead ammunition and the need for a transition to non-lead alternatives; the remaining barriers are largely socio-political,” the report concludes.

LAG was established by Defra in 2010 following concerns about the impacts of lead ammunition on the health of wildlife and people. Comprising key stockholder and experts, the group explores possible solutions and advises the government accordingly.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.