Thank you for contacting me about Welsh wildlife ingesting rat poison.
Since 4th July 2024, the sale of rodenticides containing bromadiolone and difenacoum for use in open areas (away from buildings) has been illegal. However, these products still have authorisation to be used indoors and around buildings.
There will be a 'use up' period for using products containing bromadiolone and difenacoum in open areas until 31st December 2024. This means that from 1st January 2025, the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) products which are not associated with the treatment of a building will be illegal.
The change was instigated voluntarily by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK, with support to make the necessary amendments from UK biocides regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
It is thought that the use of SGAR baits in open areas is one of the most likely ways in which non-target wildlife such as barn owls are exposed to rodenticide residues. As such, these regulations are expected to greatly reduce the use of SGARs, thus lessening the impact of rodenticides on Welsh wildlife.
Thank you for also raising the issue of brodifacoum poisoning. It is concerning to hear about the number of wild birds that have been found dead with brodifacoum in their system. It is vital that we remain vigilant about the effects of rodenticide on our Welsh wildlife, and are prepared to act if necessary. [OPTIONAL – I will write to the Cabinet Secretary and request that they release the reports from the annual Government Oversight Group on Rodenticides, on which they sit.]
As Welsh Conservatives, we remain committed to the conservation of plant and animal species across Wales so will closely monitor the effectiveness of this ban on the Welsh wildlife population as well as the effects of brodifacoum.
Once again, thank you for contacting me.