Another mass bird poisoning incident has occurred in Pest County. The illegally placed poison—dangerous to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife—has claimed the lives of a Vulnerable Eastern Imperial Eagle, eight locally protected Common Buzzards, and five proteced Ravens. This is the first incident of such magnitude in Hungary since the mass bird poisoning in Tura in 2021. It is particularly alarming that the poison found in the outskirts of Sülysáp poses a serious risk to humans and domestic animals.
On March 7, 2025, the park ranger service of the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate received a report about a dead Eastern Imperial Eagle and a smaller bird of prey, found between the towns of Sülysáp and Mende, within the area managed by the Sülysápi Szent Hubertus Vadásztársaság . Upon arrival, the park ranger discovered the carcasses of an Eastern Imperial Eagle and a Common Buzzard, likely victims of poisoning, along with poultry remains, suspected to have been used as bait.
The poisoning was confirmed by the Poison and Carcass Detection Dog Unit (PCDDU) of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (MME BirdLife Hungary). The PCDDU and the ranger service of the Directorate conducted a thorough inspection of the area. During the inspection, they found the carcasses of an endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle, eight nationally protected Common Buzzards, and five Ravens, along with six suspected poisoned baits. The recovered carcasses and baits were transported for laboratory analysis to precisely identify the toxic substances used. The Nagykáta Police Department has launched an investigation into the case.
MME BirdLife Hungary’s poison and carcass detection dog unit is currently working within the framework of the LIFE SakerRoads project, supported by the European Union, to combat the illegal killing of birds of prey, particularly the Endangered Saker Falcon. The nearest breeding sites of this strictly protected and iconic species in Hungary are less than ten kilometres from the site of the recent poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to remove the poisoned baits and the animals that have perished due to them as soon as possible.
Threat to humans, pets and livestock
It is alarming that the poisoned baits were found in the outskirts of the settlement, posing a serious threat not only to wildlife, but pets, livestock and humans too. We urge residents to be cautious when walking their pets or on excursion with children in the area. A large number of dead insects were also discovered near the poisoned birds, showing that the poison might be extremely potent.
The site inspection will continue in the coming days, and further carcasses are expected to be found. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated rangers of the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate for their tireless efforts during the investigation of the scene!
Poisoning is a serious crime
Following the mass poisoning incident in Tura, the inquiry was led by the National Bureau of Investigation. After the poisoning lawmakers promptly amended the Penal Code and significantly tightened the penalties for poisoning-related crimes. Poisoning is now considered a separate offense under both animal cruelty (Penal Code 244) and environmental damage (Penal Code 242). The amendments to the Penal Code made punishable even the preparation of such acts. The justification for the law specifically mentions the species affected in the Tura case, as well as the toxic substances used in the mass bird poisonings.
