The Impact of the Nation’s Most Widely Used Insecticides on Birds

A new report commissioned by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has assessed commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides to be lethal to songbirds.  These insecticides were introduced in the early 1990’s to replace organophosphates and other chemicals that were known to have toxic affects on wildlife and ecosystems.  Today neonicotinoids are the worlds most widely used insecticides.

Recent findings have implicated neonicotinoids in the decline of bee populations which has led to some countries suspending their use.

The ABC report evaluates the toxicological risk to birds and aquatic systems and concludes that the neonicotinoids are lethal to birds and to the aquatic systems on which they depend.  It follows with a recommendation to immediately suspend the application of these insecticides pending an independent review of their effects on non-target invertebrates, birds and other wildlife.

To view the report, click Here.