‘Terrific step forward’ as Federal regulator recommends banning insidious owl-killing poison

Native animals across the country have something to “hoot” about, with Australia’s top regulator recommending a ban on insidious owl-killing second-generation rat poisons. On March 10, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority made its position on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides known, stating it is in the “public interest” to declare the poison a restricted chemical products. The new label will enable tighter controls on its purchase and use, including restricting access to individuals who meet specific training and licensing requirements, according to the APVMA. The decision comes just weeks after researchers from Edith Cowan University and Owl Friendly Margaret River revealed a damming report of deceased owls. The research found 13 of the 13 owls tested from the South West had toxic to lethal levels of second-generation rat poison in their system, as did three of the owls tested from the Perth metro area. SGARs have also been found at lethal levels in Tasmanian devils, possums, quolls and even a critically endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo. If the new certification is accepted by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the APVMA, together with State and Territory control-of-use authorities, will consider how training and licensing requirements could be implemented. Birdlife Australia CEO Kate Millar said the decision was a “terrific step forward” for birds and wildlife. “The APVMA’s recommendation is in line with overwhelming scientific evidence that SGARs are killing birds and wildlife, and that restrictions on the public sale of such dangerous products is the only responsible decision that can be made,” she said. “Our supporters and scientists are celebrating today — this is the first major step toward the outcome we have been calling for.” One such supporter was South West NRM CEO Dr Manda Page who said the decision was a major win, not only for the community but the South West environment. “I offer my sincere congratulations to those who have worked tirelessly for more than a decade on developing a strong and irrefutable scientific evidence base to inform regulator decision-making, capable of delivering improved outcomes for wildlife,” she said. “The South West region falls within an internationally recognised global biodiversity hotspot, meaning it has an exceptional and rich level of biodiversity but also faces a significant level of threat from climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. “Limiting availability of these poisons with a demonstrated heavy impact on our native wildlife and biodiversity is a significant win for ecosystem and human health in our region.” The APVMA released its review of SGARs in December, after several years of delays, which identified the “unacceptable risk” the poisons posed to native wildlife, but did not call to limit their sale. Ms Millar said the APVMA’s new position was a significant shift and she thanked the organisation for listening to science and community expectations. “Shoppers must be able to walk into stores knowing they won’t accidentally purchase such dangerous products that are killing native animals, including powerful owls, magpies, and Australia’s favourite bird, the tawny frogmouth — today’s decision by the APVMA makes that possible,” she said.