Strychnine emergency use approved for Alberta and Saskatchewan producers

Alberta and Saskatchewan producers will once again have access to strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrel control following a new federal decision authorizing emergency use of the product.

The Government of Canada announced March 30 that it is approving a time-limited and controlled emergency registration of strychnine to help address significant crop and pasture damage caused by rising ground squirrel populations. 

The approval follows a revised joint emergency-use request submitted by both provinces, which included additional safeguards and stewardship measures aimed at reducing environmental risk. 

Under the authorization, strychnine will be permitted for use in Alberta and Saskatchewan until November 2027, subject to strict conditions and controls. 

“Alberta Beef Producers is pleased to see the authorization of an emergency registration of Strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrels,” says Doug Roxburgh, Chair, Alberta Beef Producers, in a joint statement issued with Canadian Cattle Association and Saskatchewan Cattle Association.

“We are sincerely grateful to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson and their teams for the consistent advocacy on behalf of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers. ABP has been engaged on this file since June through letters and meetings to raise producer concerns, and we appreciate the Minister’s willingness to go to bat for issues that impact producers on the ground.”

Doug Roxburgh, Chair, Alberta Beef Producers

The Government of Canada announcement says the decision is intended to help producers manage what has become a serious pest issue across the Prairies, with ground squirrel populations contributing to multi-million-dollar losses in crops and forage. 

Provincial governments welcomed the decision, noting it provides producers with an additional tool to address ongoing damage while maintaining requirements for responsible use and environmental protection. 

“This decision means that many prairie farmers will have another tool back in their toolbox for gopher control,” says RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “Alberta’s producers have faced significant challenges managing Richardson’s ground squirrels and the loss of this effective control method has been difficult and costly for many in the agriculture sector.

“Some of Alberta’s producers saw thousands of dollars in crop and pasture damage last year alone, and many faced livestock injuries and equipment damage.” (See the Minister’s full statement here.)

The emergency approval comes after strychnine use was discontinued in 2024 due to concerns about risks to non-target wildlife. Provinces, producer groups and industry organizations have since advocated for renewed access, citing limited alternatives and increasing economic impacts. 

ABP has been actively engaged on this issue through meetings with government, formal submissions, and participation in a provincial working group focused on identifying practical solutions for producers.

In July, ABP sent a letter to federal officials outlining producer concerns and the need for continued access to effective ground squirrel control tools. In September, ABP provided additional input through formal submissions to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), reinforcing the importance of practical, science-based solutions for producers.

ABP will continue to monitor implementation details and work with government and industry partners to ensure producers have access to effective, responsible tools for ground squirrel management.

ABP’s letters on this file are available here: https://albertabeef.org/advocacy/strychnine-considerations/

View news release from Alberta livestock and crop organizations: https://abpdaily.com/press-releases/alberta-crop-and-livestock-producers-welcome-emergency-authorization-of-strychnine/