Changes to Use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Rodenticides are products used to control rodents such as rats and mice and are regulated under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Rodenticides fall under Product-Type (PT) 14. Anticoagulant Rodenticides (AR) are the most widely used rodenticides and are also referred to as Anti-Vitamin K’s (AVKs) because vitamin K is the antidote for AR poisoning.
AVK products classified as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) or very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative (vBvP) when first authorised and as a result only received a 5 year authorisation. Their authorisations are therefore now due for renewal and the evaluations are nearing completion. The products are expected to be re-authorised in each EU Member State including Ireland by the end of 2017.
The control of rodent infestations is important for human health and hygiene as rodents carry diseases that can harm people, cause damage to buildings and spoil foodstuffs. Rodent infestations should be controlled based upon an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach which includes using rodenticides in accordance with an approved code of best practice such as the CRRU Ireland Best Practice Requirements (pdf 1,273Kb) and in accordance with the product label instructions. However, there can also be potential risks to people and animals from primary and secondary poisoning and to the environment from the use of anticoagulant rodenticides.
The Pesticide Control Division (PCD) of the Department of Agriculture Food, and the Marine (DAFM) is establishing a transparent and consistent approach for applying risk mitigation measures when the AVK product authorisations are renewed in Ireland. These renewals will set out new requirements that are specified in the approval of the FGAR and SGAR Active Substances, taking into account the need to control infestations whilst protecting people and non-target wildlife from exposure to these AVK products. Further details of the new requirements are details in the links below. Another important consideration that will form part of the product renewal process is the effect of resistance to these products.
Trained Professional Use Rodenticide Products
Requirements for registration as a Pest Management Trained Professional User
Professional Use Rodenticide Products
Amateur Use Rodenticide Products
Requirements for Suppliers/Marketing Companies of Rodenticide Products
FAQ - Pest Management Trained Professional Users - February 2018
Industry Symposium on Rodenticide Regulation & Training
Permanent Baiting Rules