| Zinc phosphide advisory |
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| Background |
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During 2005 several agencies investigated the deaths of migratory geese within the Willamette Valley. These agencies included the United States Department of the Interior–Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). In most instances, the affected geese were “cackling Canada geese”, or “cacklers” (Branta canadensis minima). These birds are considered to be migratory and protected by international treaties and federal and state laws.
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| Investigation details |
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Sample collection and analysis conducted during 2005 concluded that zinc phosphide ingestion was the cause of death in many of the birds. This compound is the active ingredient in several pesticide products used for rodent control. Officials believe geese ingest bait products containing zinc phosphide while feeding. Broadcast application of these baits onto sites where geese have been observed increases the likelihood of geese ingesting these products. Therefore, broadcast applications of bait containing zinc phosphide have specific limitations in the Willamette Valley. As a reminder, the use of any pesticide product inconsistent with its label, as well as using a pesticide product in a manner that might adversely affect migratory birds or other non-target wildlife, is a violation of federal and state laws.
As a result of the 2005 investigations, cooperating agencies and agricultural groups are making special efforts to inform producers of the potential risks associated with the use of rodent baits containing zinc phosphide. Zinc phosphide products are important tools for the control of rodents in many agricultural crops grown in the Willamette Valley. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates the registration and use of pesticide products nationally. These regulations include authorizing individual pesticide products for use at national and local level as tools to control specific pests on minor crops.
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| Conclusions |
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USEPA is aware of the 2005 incidents and the test results. It is possible that if goose deaths continue in the Willamette Valley due to ingesting rodent baits containing zinc phosphide, USEPA may further restrict the use of these products.
Please remember, and instruct your employees, to read and follow all pesticide product label instructions. Following these instructions will keep you in compliance with the law and help to maintain the availability of these important pest control products.
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| Distribution |
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This document was distributed in hard-copy format to licensed applicators, consultants and restricted-use pesticide dealers in Oregon. The following organizations and representatives have been instrumental in the production of this advisory notice:
- Barry Bushue - President, Oregon Farm Bureau
- Katy Coba - Director, Oregon Department of Agriculture
- Roy Elicker - Director, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Scott McKinnie - Executive Director, FarWest Agribusiness Association
- Jim Stienbaugh - United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
- Terry Witt - Executive Director, Oregonians for Food and Shelter
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| Additional resources |
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Telephone: 503-947-6322
E-mail: Bradley.d.bales@state.or.us
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/
Oregon Department of Agriculture - Pesticides Division
Telephone: 503-986-4635
E-mail: pestx@oda.state.or.us
http://oregon.gov/ODA/PEST
United States Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service
Telephone: 503-682-6131
E-mail: Jim_Stinebaugh@fws.gov
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