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Pesticides Involved in Almost Half of Wildlife Poisoning
Details of the 159 suspected poisoning incidents investigated by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) in Scotland last year have been published and show that pesticides were involved in almost half of the incidents. 

In total, 74 of the 159 incidents showed the use of pesticides, (which amounts to 47 per cent) with 36 out of the 74 of those categorised as the abuse of pesticides i.e. deliberate and illegal attempts to poison animals.

The 'Pesticide Poisoning of Animals in 2009' report from the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) shows that incidents investigated included:

The approved use of pesticides where a buzzard was poisoned by slug pellets even though the product had been applied in accordance with the label instructions
The abuse of pesticides where a poisoned golden eagle was discovered along with a sheep carcase found to be laced with the same pesticide that killed the eagle
The unspecified used of pesticides where a colony of honeybees died after being exposed to a pesticide normally used to control wasps
The incorrect storage of pesticides

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "This report highlights the devastating impact that the irresponsible use of pesticides can have on our countryside and I applaud the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme in Scotland for their work in investigating these incidents throughout the year.

"The evidence provided by the scheme is also a vital tool exposing crimes against wildlife. The figures suggest that birds of prey continue to be the victims of deliberate poisoning and we will continue to work with the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime in Scotland in our efforts to put a stop to these illegal actions.

"Scotland's natural environment is one of our most valuable assets and it is essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated appropriately. The Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture plays a vital role in monitoring this and helps make our countryside a safer place for us all."

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.