Birds of Prey (also known as Raptors) are hunting birds such as eagles, hawks and owls. Many Bird of Prey species in Australia feed on small mammals, including rodents. This means that they be exposed to rat and mouse poison by eating a poisoned animal – this is known as secondary poisoning.
Most rat and mouse baits available in Australia (e.g. ‘Ratsak’®) are anticoagulants. They kill rodents by stopping the blood from clotting properly and causing bleeding. These baits have the same effect on any species that eats them, including animals which experience secondary poisoning.
If you have found a live Bird of Prey that you suspect has rat bat toxicity, please contact WIRES Riverina on 1300 094 737 or call your local veterinary clinic.
DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE Birds of Prey as they may cause injury to inexperienced handlers.
What can you do?
- If you need to use baits on your property, make sure that you follow the label directions for that product.
- Remove any old or damaged bait stations.
- Remove deceased rats and mice as soon as possible so that they cannot be eaten by other wildlife.
More information:
Australian Veterinary Pesticides and Medicine Authority: https://apvma.gov.au/node/87226
Wildlife Health Australia factsheet: https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/ResourceCentre/FactSheets/Multiple/Rodenticide_Toxicity_in_Australian_Wildlife.pdf