Alberta reinstates 2% liquid strychnine with a focus on stewardship

Alberta’s government partnered with Saskatchewan and federal regulators to reinstate – on an emergency basis – the use of 2% liquid strychnine as an additional tool to control Richardson’s ground squirrels in parts of the province.

Producers in 49 municipalities may use the rodenticide to protect their livestock and livelihoods. The Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (formerly the Pest Management Regulatory Agency) has approved emergency use of 2% liquid strychnine in Alberta until November 1, 2027. It cannot be used in urban areas or on acreages.

Through a new strychnine stewardship program, the government will prioritize protecting individuals, the environment, species at risk, wildlife and pets.

Integrated pest management

Producers may continue to rely on natural predators like weasels, coyotes and badgers to help control ground squirrel populations. They may also manage vegetation on pasture, keeping it at least 15 cm high to discourage ground squirrels from settling.

Other options include hunting or trapping Richardson’s ground squirrels or tolerating low populations when they do not threaten livestock or cause economic harm.

Strychnine should only be used after an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is proven not effective and must be applied in a way that prevents exposure to non-target wildlife.

If strychnine is to be used, users should avoid any practices that could attract raptors or other species to treated areas and must follow all label directions to minimize risks to birds and other animals.

Producers that use 2% liquid strychnine must follow all label directions and ensure proper storage and transport to maintain product effectiveness. Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions under federal and provincial legislation.

Acquiring strychnine

Strychnine is still in production and is not yet available for use in Alberta. A first shipment is expected to be available by late May or early June in limited quantity. Additional shipments will occur over the summer.

Distribution will be controlled. Two per cent liquid strychnine will be supplied only through agricultural fieldmen in approved municipalities. Producers may use it only within approved municipalities.

Producers will need to complete mandatory training before using strychnine. Training is now available through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and will be available until August 1.

Producers must also:

• submit a declaration form confirming an infestation and agreeing to follow all label and emergency-use rules
• demonstrate integrated pest management strategies
• provide a basic treatment plan, including site location and land use
• monitor treated areas and collect and dispose of carcasses, raw strychnine and bait
• submit a product evaluation form

When applying liquid strychnine, producers must post signs, which are available from municipalities, to notify neighbours and land users. Application windows will be limited. Any unused product must be disposed of at the end of the emergency use, November 1, 2027.

Misuse of 2% liquid strychnine may result in fines under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Wildlife Act, as well as the federal Pest Control Products Act and Species at Risk Act. The Pesticides Regulatory Directorate may also suspend the emergency use registration.

How to report incidents of non-compliance

All suspected non-compliance with regards to 2% liquid strychnine, or pesticides in general, including use, handling, transport, sales, distribution, application and storage should be reported.

This also includes adverse effects such as impacts to human health, animals or the environment.

Reports can be made to Environment and Protected Areas at 1-800-222-6514 or online at regulatoryassurance.alberta.ca/dras.

For more information, see:

Richardson’s ground squirrel control

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