Summary
The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme ( WIIS) operated in Scotland by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture ( SASA) Pesticides & Wildlife Branch investigates suspected poisoning of wildlife, beneficial insects, companion animals and livestock if there is evidence to indicate that pesticides or biocides [1] may be involved.
The scheme, together with similar schemes operating in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, provides a means of post-registration surveillance of pesticide use throughout the UK, so that registration may be revised if necessary. These schemes also provide a measure of the success of the pesticide registration process and help in the verification and improvement of the risk assessments made in the registration of compounds. Incidents of approved use and of misuse can highlight problems with the approval conditions or the label instructions for a pesticide, and can provide valuable feedback into the regulatory process.
The scheme in Scotland also provides evidence that can be used by the Scottish Government or the police, to enforce legislation relating to the safe use of pesticides and the protection of food, the environment and animals.
In 2010, 233 incidents (which included 5 bee incidents) were referred to the WIIS Scotland and represented a 40% increase in the number of submissions compared to 2009. Five incidents were excluded [2], leaving 228 incidents accepted for further investigation. The cause of death or illness was determined in 123 incidents and unknown in 105 incidents. 106 incidents (46% of all incidents accepted into the WIIS Scotland) tested positive for pesticide residues [3].
Thirty two incidents were categorised as abuse, 11 incidents were attributed to unspecified use, 2 incidents followed approved use, 2 incidents were a result of misuse and 3 incidents were attributed to veterinary use.
Twenty five different pesticides [3] were identified. The insecticide, carbofuran was detected in 19 out of 32 (59%) incidents categorised as abuse, even though UK approval for use of products containing this chemical expired in 2001.
Selected samples were also screened for evidence of exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides. Residues of various anticoagulant rodenticides were detected in 72 out of 183 incidents ( i.e. 39% of those incidents selected for rodenticide screening). The second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum were found to be the most prevalent active ingredients detected. [1]