The Wildlife Incident Unit (WIU) at Fera Science is a post-registration monitoring scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to monitor wildlife and beneficial insects eh honeybees and bumblebees to determine whether chemicals approved for use are affecting other non-target species. This can lead to a change in recommended use of the chemical, to provide evidence and assurance as part of the approvals process. This is classified as an ‘approved use’ case. Incorrect use of a compound – either through negligence or intentionally targeting pests - may lead to enforcement action and occasionally criminal prosecution. The WIU team also provide expert witness statements for these cases.
Report pesticide poisoning
Please call the WIIS (Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme) on 0800 321600 if you see:
Any animals you suspect may have been poisoned by pesticides.
Any spillage of a pesticide, particularly coloured seed, grain or pellets.
Any potentially poisonous baits, such as dead animals cut open and staked out.
Please provide the following information:
- The location of the incident.
- The number and type of casualties, or suspected poisonous baits.
- Why you believe pesticides are involved.
- Your name and contact telephone number.
The WIU also contribute to the WILDCOMS network - a collaborative network formed between various UK surveillance schemes that monitor disease and contaminants in vertebrate wildlife.
Novel analytical services – chemical monitoring in wildlife and beneficial insects
The WIU uses 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. The WIU compile and interpret this data, and together with other evidence it is a valuable dataset of animal mortality investigations and pesticide poisoning data, which informs both regulation and pesticide detection techniques.
The WIU has the capability and expertise to test for a range of pesticide compounds across many sample types, such as animal tissue, formulations and a range of environmental samples, including pollen and insects. The WIU carries out pesticide analysis on samples obtained during WIIS investigations in England and Wales and interprets the results.
The team is heavily involved in research and development into improved methods of analysis for pesticide detection.
The WIIS data for the UK is published quarterly and a compilation of it is available from The Chemicals Regulation Division of the Health and Safety Executive.
In addition to testing wildlife and beneficial insects for pesticides and biocides, the WIU offers analytical services for a wider range of compounds eg polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals.
The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) investigates deaths of wildlife, pet animals and beneficial invertebrates in the UK if there is evidence to suggest that they may have been poisoned or put at risk by pesticides.
- Any spillage of a pesticide, particularly coloured seed, grain or pellets.
- Any potentially poisonous baits, such as dead animals cut open and staked out.