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Poisoned birds
Birds can pick up poison accidentally by eating dressed seed or insects from freshly sprayed crops, or they can become victims of intentional poisoning, whether the poison bait was aimed at them or not.
Incidents of suspected poisoning should be reported to the Poisons Hotline on: 0800 321600. This is administered by the Government-run Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme.
Gulls are often found in the summer and autumn apparently paralysed and unable to lift their heads. This is likely to be due to botulism poisoning, a naturally occurring toxin produced by bacteria.
In incidents of large numbers of birds dying of suspected botulism, the RSPB, the local authority or the Environment Agency should be informed of the location and the number of birds involved.
Last modified: 05 November 2009