The province of Alberta had traditionally relied on strychnine as a key pesticide for gopher management until the Canadian government initiated a phasing out process for its use on Richardson’s ground squirrels in 2020, ultimately enforcing a complete ban in 2024.
Recently, the Government of Alberta has urged Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to reconsider the ban on strychnine due to the pressing concerns faced by farmers and ranchers in the region. This appeal was highlighted in an open letter shared on social media on June 27, endorsed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson, and Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration Joseph Schow.
The letter emphasized the significant agricultural threats posed by Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly known as gophers, which cause substantial damage to various crops in the prairie provinces, estimating an annual risk exceeding $800 million to hay and native pasture.
Despite the ban on strychnine, which was primarily motivated by environmental risks and potential harm to endangered species like burrowing owls and swift foxes, Alberta farmers have been left with limited alternatives for gopher control. While shooting and legal rodenticides are available options, farmers like Ian Webber have found them less effective compared to strychnine, impacting crop yields and financial losses.
Although some farmers like Ben Campbell have adopted natural predator methods to manage gopher populations, the ban on strychnine has prompted a shift to safer alternatives like zinc phosphide to mitigate concerns about unintended harm to wildlife. Despite the challenges posed by the ban, some farmers have expressed contentment with the transition to alternative solutions due to reduced risks and environmental impact.
The ongoing debate surrounding the ban on strychnine reflects the complex balance between agricultural needs and environmental conservation, with stakeholders advocating for practical and sustainable approaches to gopher control in Alberta.
