Poison dangerous to humans and pets in Pest county poses significant threat
A new case of mass bird poisoning has occurred in Pest County. The illegally placed poison—dangerous to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife—has claimed the lives of a strictly protected eastern imperial eagle, eight protected common buzzards, and five ravens, the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (MME) reported on Tuesday.
On Friday, 7 March, a citizen reported the discovery of dead birds to the ranger service of the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate. The birds were found within the operational area of the Felső-Tápiómenti Hunting Association, between the towns of Sülysáp and Mende. Upon arriving at the scene, a conservation officer found the carcasses of an eastern imperial eagle and a common buzzard, both suspected to have fallen victim to poisoning, as well as poultry remains likely used as bait.
The suspicion of poisoning was confirmed by MME’s specialised poison and carcass detection dog unit, which was dispatched to the location.
Working together with the ranger service, the unit combed through the area and discovered the remains of one strictly protected eastern imperial eagle, eight protected common buzzards, and five ravens, along with six suspected poisoned baits. Authorities noted in their statement that the investigation of the area will continue in the coming days, and more carcasses are expected to be found.
They emphasised that the situation is particularly alarming because experts even found poison-treated bait—hazardous to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife—right on the outskirts of Sülysáp.
The placed poison is extremely potent, as evidenced by the fact that the carcasses were found directly around the bait. Additionally, a large number of dead insects were discovered near the poisoned birds, further confirming the toxicity, the statement added.
Experts have warned residents to exercise heightened caution when walking their pets in the affected area and to be extra vigilant when hiking with children. They urge nature lovers, dog walkers, and those working in rural areas to avoid touching any dead animals they come across. In case of suspected poisoning, or if anyone has information related to the case, authorities should be notified immediately.
The statement also noted that since the mass bird poisoning incident in Tura in 2021—an investigation in which the National Bureau of Investigation also participated—no similar cases had been observed in Hungary until now.
Following that incident, sanctions related to poisoning crimes were significantly tightened. Since then, poisoning has been classified as a separate offense under both animal cruelty and environmental damage laws, and even preparations for such activities are now punishable by law, the statement concluded.
Read also:
- Shocking! Almost 50 protected birds of prey killed with poison in Hungary
- Foot and mouth disease in Hungary: animals killed, bans in place, zoo closed
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