Wildlife Incident Unit
Reporting a wildlife incident
Working closely with the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS), the Wildlife Incident Unit (WIU) plays a key role in investigating the effects of pesticides on animals, insects and the environment.
The WIU use powerful analytical chemistry techniques to test tissue samples taken from wildlife and other animals where poisoning, through the use of pesticides, is the suspected cause of death.
During a typical year, nearly 200 cases are investigated by CSL scientists and nearly a third of these will be attributed to pesticides. Most involve enforcement action, as the pesticides have not been used correctly, sometimes resulting in criminal prosecutions for pesticide offences, for which the WIU provides witness statements.
The team has the capability and expertise to test for a range of pesticide compounds across animal tissue, liquid formulations and environmental samples including pollen and leaves. In addition to investigating reported incidents, the team is also heavily involved in research and development into new and improved methods of analysis for detecting pesticides.
If you suspect that pesticide poisoning of animals has occurred, please report the incident to the WIIS. Call 0800 321600 and speak to a Wildlife Advisor who will discuss the situation, and advise you on further action.
Please call 0800 321600 if you see:
- any animals you suspect may have been poisoned by pesticides
- any spillage of pesticides
- any potentially poisonous baits
Please try and provide the following information when reporting an incident:
- the location of the incident
- the number and type of casualties, or suspected baits
- why you believe pesticides are involved
- your name and a contact telephone number
For further information on reporting an incident, please download the Incidents Involving Pesticides and Animals leaflet, prepared by the Pesticides Safety Directorate and Defra.
CSL also participates in The Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning of Wildlife, a government led initiative aimed at deterring the illegal and careless use of pesticides.
If you have any questions you would like to ask the WIU directly, please email .
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme
The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) investigates deaths of animals and wildlife in the UK if there is evidence to suggest that they may have been poisoned or put at risk by pesticides. In England this work is undertaken by Wildlife Management Advisers of Natural England's Wildlife Management & Licensing Service, on behalf of the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who are responsible for policy with regard to pesticides. For Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales see additional information below.
Enquiries into incidents often involve the Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VLA) who undertake post mortem examinations on casualty animals and CSL's WIU who carry out pesticide analysis on samples obtained during investigations and interpret these results.