After facing significant delays, the approved period for utilizing strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan officially commenced on Wednesday. Farmers are now permitted to employ the controversial rodenticide to manage Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly referred to as gophers, until September 1. However, challenges arise due to limited quantities and doubts about its effectiveness at this late stage of the year.
The authorization for controlled and time-limited emergency use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan was granted following extensive lobbying efforts by these provinces, subsequent to its prohibition by Health Canada two years ago due to environmental concerns. According to the Alberta government, gopher infestations in the province pose a risk exceeding $800 million to hay and pastures annually.
Under the Pest Control Products Act, the emergency use approval enables producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan to utilize strychnine until November 2027, albeit restricted to specific seasonal periods. Unfortunately, the eagerly awaited spring application window from March 1 to June 15 was missed due to supply chain issues faced by Agromax, the sole authorized manufacturer of strychnine in Canada.
Although the product has now reached eligible municipalities in Alberta and Saskatchewan, demand surpasses supply in many instances. Some municipalities, like Wheatland County and Flagstaff County, are resorting to lottery systems to determine which producers can access strychnine. Conversely, the Municipal District of Wainwright in east-central Alberta announced that strychnine will not be available to producers this year due to the lateness of the season and extremely limited product availability.
Shelby Oracheski, Wainwright’s agricultural fieldman, emphasized that the optimal timing for using such products is before spring green-up. Concerns about the efficacy of strychnine at this time of year have led to a slowdown in inquiries. The aim is to retain the strychnine for next year to ensure producers can benefit from a full season of use.
There are hopes for ongoing advocacy to extend the special use approval for another year, as the current season is perceived as somewhat of a “write-off.” Alexandre Bergeron, spokesperson for the federal minister of health, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and Canada’s agricultural sector while ensuring responsible use to protect the environment, endangered species, and public health.
Despite the renewed availability of strychnine, concerns persist regarding its environmental impact. Strychnine was previously a prevalent gopher control method on farms in Alberta and Saskatchewan before being phased out by the federal government in 2020 and outright banned in 2024 due to environmental risks. The poison’s use was linked to potential harm to at-risk species such as swift foxes and burrowing owls.
Conservation specialist Ruiping Luo highlighted the adverse effects of strychnine use on predators and unintended wildlife casualties. While the new strychnine program includes rigorous requirements and environmental safeguards, Luo criticized the decision for lacking substantial scientific evidence despite known risks. She advocated for exploring alternative methods for gopher control, including legal pesticides, fumigation, and promoting predator activities to deter gopher populations.
The Alberta government suggests various alternatives for gopher management, including legal pesticides, fumigation, and strategies to discourage gopher colonies from forming. These measures aim to address the pest issue while mitigating environmental risks associated with strychnine use.