Ottawa has approved the temporary emergency use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan to combat the significant damage caused by an infestation of Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly known as gophers. The decision came after the provinces submitted a revised request to Health Canada following the rejection of an earlier proposal by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency in February.
The ban on strychnine was implemented two years ago due to concerns about its impact on other wildlife species, including endangered species like the swift fox and burrowing owl. However, the recently approved request from Alberta and Saskatchewan includes additional restrictions and mitigation measures to minimize the environmental risks associated with the rodent poison.
Under the Pest Control Products Act, Ottawa has granted the two provinces permission to register strychnine under an emergency registration until November 2027. Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan have been advocating for the reinstatement of strychnine to manage the increasing populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels, which pose a threat to various crops.
Strychnine, previously used in a two percent liquid form as a primary gopher control method on farms in the region, was phased out by the federal government in 2020 and completely banned in 2024 due to environmental concerns. The emergency use authorization is seen as a vital tool for producers to protect their crops and pastures from further damage caused by the gopher infestation.
Local farmer Wade Nelson, who has experienced significant crop losses due to gophers, expressed support for the government’s decision to allow the emergency use of strychnine. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating the safe and effective use of the product to ensure its continued availability beyond 2027.
Nelson highlighted the devastating impact of gophers on agricultural communities and the necessity of having strychnine as a viable solution for pest management. He emphasized the importance of proving the responsible use of the product to secure its ongoing availability for farmers facing challenges from gopher infestations.