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By Kenneth Cheung

STRYCHNINE

Strychnine reauthorization unlikely despite push to control growing gopher issue, expert says

Feb 27, 2025 | 4:00 PM

With Richardson’s ground squirrel (gopher) population soaring and wreaking havoc on crops and pastures, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) issued a statement on Wednesday to urge the federal government to reauthorize strychnine, arguing it remains the most effective tool to tackle the situation.

However, an expert with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture said return of the rodenticide is unlikely due to environmental concerns.

“I think we need to preface this with the very low likelihood that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) would reinstate that registration,” said James Tansey, provincial insect and vertebrate pest management specialist.

The PMRA deregistered strychnine in March 2023, citing risks to non-target species and overall environmental harm. Studies indicated potential negative impacts on wildlife, leading to a phased ban on its use.

Tansey noted that in some areas, gopher populations have actually declined since the ban.

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“It’s important to note that overall, Richardson’s ground squirrel populations were lower than they were prior to the deregistration of strychnine, so we do have good control options,” he said.

Alternatives to strychnine

Studies show that zinc phosphide products—such as Burrow Oat Bait and ZP Rodent Oat Bait AG—are more effective and cost-efficient than strychnine. These alternatives also present a lower risk of secondary poisoning and are less persistent in the environment.

“Farmers can achieve local control with these alternatives, but a lot of the same considerations they had with strychnine still apply—particularly timely application,” Tansey said.

The most effective time to apply bait is early spring, between March and April, when gophers emerge from hibernation and before vegetation greens up. With food sources scarce, bait becomes more attractive.

As more farmers have turned to alternatives, including zinc phosphide and anticoagulant baits, SARM president Bill Huber argues that current options are less effective than strychnine.

“Strychnine was one of the best products available for controlling Richardson’s ground squirrels,” Huber said. “It’s frustrating for farmers when you apply it, and then you go out days later and don’t see much depopulation.”

Financial impact on farmers

The exact financial impact of gopher infestations is unclear, but according to an update provided by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to battlefordsNOW, as of November 2024, SCIC forecasted $1.4 billion in indemnity payments, with a portion attributed to pest damage.

Huber said some farmers with 5,000-acre operations reported losing up to $30,000 last spring due to gophers.

To help mitigate losses, the ministry partnered with SARM to implement the Pest Biosecurity Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Its Gopher Control Program offers a 50-50 cost-share rebate, covering up to half the cost of registered control products. It also provides $125 for raptor platform materials to attract predatory birds as a natural gopher control method.

Balancing pest control and environmental concerns

As the debate continues, Saskatchewan’s agricultural community faces the challenge of balancing effective pest control with environmental stewardship.

When asked about the ministry’s position on SARM’s push for strychnine’s return, Tansey said the government supports pest control efforts but it need to be approached “conservatively.”

“We’ve been through the review process, and the PMRA has made its stance clear,” he said. “Managing expectations is tremendously important.”

Despite the unlikelihood of strychnine’s return, Tansey believes ongoing research and the proper use of existing alternatives can effectively manage gopher populations and reduce crop damage.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com