Industry urged to continue responsible rodenticide use

The farmimg industry has must continue to to demonstrate responsible use of rodenticide products in order to avoid further restrictions, according to the chairman of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), Alan Buckle.

Launching the first ever UK Rodenticide Stewardship annual report, Dr Buckle said it marked merely 'the end of the beginning'.

Involving pest controllers, farmers, gamekeepers, the rodenticide supply chain and stakeholders, the regime is charged with reducing rodenticide residues in non-target wildlife.

From October 1, 2016, the rules governing the purchase of rodenticides changed. Farmers, gamekeepers, pest controllers and their employees buying professional rodenticide packs for use outdoors now need to show either an approved certificate of competence or documentation confirming membership of an approved farm assurance scheme.

Dr Buckle said there was considerable work ahead for all three professional sectors of rodenticide users, whose total commitment to the cause is critical for stewardship's success.

Robust system

"The regime provides a robust system to control rodenticide availability and develop universal and permanent responsible use," he said.

"The report identifies significant work carried out so far, and emphasises that much remains to be done. Clearly, the regime is in its early stages.

"If stewardship achieves it purpose, with compelling evidence that professional rodenticides can be used without unacceptable effects on the environment, the products will remain available for our use.

"Otherwise, we must anticipate further restrictions on where rodenticides can be used and by whom."

The annual report can be downloaded from thinkwildlife.org, where full details of the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime are also available.