High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found high levels of veterinary insecticides in the nests of British songbirds and associated it with increased mortality in their offspring. Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were detected in 100 percent, 89.1 percent and 89.1 percent of the nest material samples, respectively.

Source: Science Direct, February 10, 2025. Link.

The study raises concerns about the common practice of placing pet fur from grooming in gardens for birds, especially when the animals have been treated with topical ectoparasitic treatments.”