Update to Strychnine use

The province of Alberta is continuing to solve logistic and training barriers regarding the Emergency Use Registration of strychnine.  They will keep municipalities informed and their website up to date as this moves forward.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

• This is a temporary registration that was issued March 30, 2026 and is expected to run for approximately 19 months (from now until November 2027).
• The Goal: To demonstrate responsible use and effectiveness so the product can become a long-term tool within the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) model.

SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION

• Sourcing: The product is being sourced from India and shipped to a Canadian vendor for dilution and distribution.
• Availability: It is currently not available in Canada. Once imported, it is estimated to take 6 to 8 weeks before producers can access it.
• Arrival: The product is expected to arrive at the end of May.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Municipalities: Stewardship training for fieldmen is planned for mid-April. This training is needed to dispense the product.
• Producers: Municipalities will be responsible for producer training.
• Important: This is separate from the Farmer Pesticide Certificate. The province plans to move this to an online program in the future.
• Eligibility: Training is required to purchase product, and you must be located within the strychnine focus area.

APPROVED AREAS

• Use is restricted to certain areas of the province, and the County of Minburn is an approved area.
• Municipalities with vendor certification can order/distribute under a Retail Vendor Registration, provided a certified applicator or dispenser is on staff. County of Minburn meets these requirements. 

APPLICATION WINDOWS

1. Window 1 (Spring): Early Mid to late April–End of June.
2. Window 2 (Juveniles): Mid-July to the end of August. (Note: These windows are subject to change based on delivery and constraints.)

PLEASE NOTE: Gophers are already up for the season and the optimal window for control is NOW. Please do not wait for strychnine. You are encouraged to manage them now using alternative products (like Rozol, Zinc Phosphide, RoCon or Weevil-Cide), or shooting.  While this tool is planned to be fully available for 2027, be mindful of this season's expected timeline and potential availability challenges.

PURCHASE LIMITS & COMPLIANCE

• Limits: Producer purchases will be based on infestation thresholds and affected acres.
• Warning: Stockpiling or inflating acreage could risk program continuation or future product availability.
• Audits: The PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency) will conduct field and producer audits to ensure compliance with all program requirements.

WHAT’S NEXT? Administration is currently contacting landowners who have already reached out to inform and confirm who is interested in training. We are maintaining a Producer List to offer training as soon as possible and will keep the public updated on how to access the product.

 
Please email operations@minburncounty.ab.ca with your name and phone number to be added to the producer list.

 
For more information on integrated management and the program, visit:  https://www.alberta.ca/richardsons-ground-squirrel-control