Panel Discussion – Regulatory and Policy Issues around Non-Target Mortality and Environmental Fate of Rodenticides

Abstract

Author(s): Eisemann, John D.; Swift, Catherine E.; Dunlevy, Peter A.; Pitt, William C.; Witmer, Gary W. | Abstract: One of the goals of this Symposium was to bring together agricultural and conservation users of rodenticides to discuss the impacts of rodenticides on the environment, examine the current regulatory climate governing their use, and identify ways that users can reduce or eliminate these impacts. Some of the presentations in today’s symposium highlighted specific impacts, and the preceding talk described the scenario of what can happen if an issue related to pesticide impacts ends up in the courts. The three agencies that were represented on this panel (USDA, USFWS, and EPA) have regulatory oversight and enforcement authority for the use of rodenticides and/or the adverse effects resulting from the use of rodenticides. In addition, USDA and FWS are the primary federal users of rodenticides for agriculture and conservation. USDA holds the registrations for a number of rodenticide products for agricultural and conservation purposes. Panelists were asked to describe how Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Animal Damage Control Act, and the administration of USDA’s pesticide labels apply to rodenticide adverse effects. Panelists were then asked to bring up an issue within the scope of their agency that they view as problematic for conducting eradication projects. Panelists were also asked to suggest proactive measures that the rodent eradication community can undertake to improve future rodent eradication efforts. Finally, the floor was opened to audience members for questions and comments.