EPA Seeks Submissions On New Rodent Poison

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on difenacoum, a poison used to control rats and mice.

PelGar International Limited has applied for approval to import or manufacture for release two types of ready-to-use rodent baits containing difenacoum, an anticoagulant.

Difenacoum is a vertebrate toxic agent (VTA) that is new to Aotearoa New Zealand, but is approved in Australia, Europe, and the USA. The applicant seeks approval for use by both professional and non-professional users, however use would be restricted to specified bait stations.

Among the benefits listed by the applicant are low toxicity to humans and non-target animals, and reduced risk of secondary poisoning compared with substances containing flocoumafen and brodifacoum - active ingredients already approved for use in New Zealand.

The EPA has reviewed the material submitted by PelGar International and carried out a human health and environmental risk assessment. You can find more information about the EPA’s risk assessment process in the EPA’s draft science memorandum.

This public consultation enables the wider public and those in relevant industries to provide additional information on the risks and benefits of using difenacoum. Submitters can provide information, make comments, and raise issues to contribute to the EPA decision-making process.

Submissions close at 5.00 pm on 16 September 2022.

Find out more about difenacoum and make a submission

Watch this short video to learn how the EPA makes decisions about hazardous substances

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