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Strychnine (strychnine hydrochloride) will not be authorised for supply or use for mole control after 1 September 2006.
SEERAD will aim to issue permits to purchase strychnine by 31 May 2006. To allow time for processing, all applications for permits to purchase strychnine must be received by SEERAD by 28 April 2006.
Strychnine must be used up or disposed of by 31 August 2006. Further advice is available from your usual contact points within SEERAD.
How will the withdrawal work in practice?
- Applications to purchase strychnine
Your application must be received by SEERAD by 28 April 2006.
All permits issued will expire three months from the date of issue or 31 August 2006, whichever is soonest.
SEERAD will aim to issue all permits to purchase by 31 May 2006.
Applications received after 28 April 2006 will be refused unless exceptional circumstances exist.
- Will the Department be busy during this time? Should I apply early?
Please apply as early as you can. The Department does expect to be particularly busy. Although we have plans to deal with a heavy workload of applications, they are still likely to take longer than usual to process.
- What happens if I cannot apply for a permit before these deadlines?
If you have to make an application after 28 April 2006, you will need to provide written justification with your application. You will need to explain why you must purchase and/or use strychnine, and why you cannot use an alternative. Strychnine will only be authorised under exceptional circumstances.
How can I dispose of strychnine?
Strychnine is very toxic and must not be disposed of through normal waste collections. Pharmacists are not required to take strychnine back. If you are left with any it is your responsibility to organise and pay for safe disposal through a licensed waste collector.
What other products are available? Where can I get advice on alternative methods of mole control?
You can get advice on alternative ways of controlling moles from SEERAD. You can get advice on training from your local Agricultural College or training provider.
Trapping is widely regarded as one of the most effective of the alternatives on offer.
Two products containing aluminium phosphide are currently approved for mole control. These are:
Luxan Talunex ( MAPP 06563)
Phostoxin ( MAPP 09315)
What returns should be submitted to SEERAD?
There is no legal requirement for individual owners/occupiers to submit returns, however it is good practice to complete and return a Strych 6 form, "Report of Use of Strychnine Hydrochloride", on completion of mole control operations or within 3 months from the date of issue of the permit, whether or not the operation is complete.
If you are a professional pest controller or contractor you have a statutory responsibility to submit a Strych 7 form, "Report of Use of Strychnine Hydrochloride", when applying for further quantities or within 12 months of last using it.
Please ensure that returns are sent to the SEERAD office that issued the permit.
As strychnine will not be authorised for supply or use for mole control after 1 September 2006, it is recommended that all returns be submitted on completion of mole control operations or within 3 months from the date of issue of the permit.
What is happening elsewhere in the UK?
Similar arrangements are being made for dealing with the withdrawal of strychnine by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government Department for Environment, Planning & Countryside.
Where can I get more information?
Please get in touch with the SEERAD office that issues your permits.
Further information
Further information is available from SEERAD offices, the Pesticide Safety Directorate ( PSD) website at http://www.pesticides.gov.uk or PSD's Information Service on 01904 455775.