Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has released their re-evaluation decision regarding the use of strychnine to control Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS). This re-evaluation began in 2018 and included a 90-day comment period. During this period RMA commented that the use of strychnine can contribute to an effective integrated pest management program, however, the PMRA considered the environmental risk of non-target species poisoning too great.
Effective March 4, 2020, a three-year phase-out for the use of strychnine to control RGS will begin. This will be accomplished through the following process:
- One (1) year of sale by registrant from the publication date of this decision document, followed by;
- One (1) year of sale by retailer from the last date of sale by registrant, followed by;
- One (1) year of permitted use from the last date of sale by retailer.
To view the PMRA’s decision, click here.
The RMA will be monitoring the position taken by the Government of Alberta on this decision and advise members of additional information as it becomes available.
For enquiries, please contact:
Warren Noga
Policy Advisor
warren@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com