On June 1, new EPA regulations went into effect with regard to rodenticides.
The primary change which has gone into effect is the ban of a common type of rodent poison -- anticoagulants. Other regulations have been implemented, including where rodenticides can be sold, and in what quantity.
Of special note to pet owners is the following: Anticoagulant rodenticides (poison) have an antitode, and those poisons which will most likely be used instead do not.
According to Dr. Camille DeClementi, senior director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the new EPA regulations, overall, are good, but pet owners need to be aware that with the ban of anticoagulant rodenticides, there will most likely be an increase in the use of alternative poisons.
Bromethalin and Cholecalciferol will most likely become more commonplace in the battle against rodents.
Unfortunately, Bromethalin, which causes neurological problems, is almost impossible to treat after a pet (any animal for that matter) has ingested it and begins to show symptoms.
Cholecalciferol -- another extremely toxic chemical -- can be treated; however, the treatment is expensive and extensive (and the prognosis is poor after symptoms have manifested).
The purpose of this article is to raise awareness.
If you are like me, you don't often think about rat poison -- however, when you do, you have an awareness that it is extrememly toxic, but a vague notion that when/if your pet had the extreme misfortune of getting into it, there was an antidote (vitamin K).
Now, you need to be aware that new rat poisons will be different. There isn't much that you can do about this -- other than to be aware, and to be vigilant on behalf of your pets.
Ideally, avoid the poisons altogether -- utilize other, non-toxic means of rodent control. If you must use a rodenticide, be hyper-vigilant for the sake of your pets.
According to Dr. DeClementi, many of the new EPA regulations are beneficial -- no longer will the "bait" be sold in pellets; instead it will be in bars and tamper-resistent bait stations -- and the amount that a general consumer can purchase is now limited -- but pet owners need to be aware of the alternative chemicals which will be used in place of the anticoagulants.
What the EPA is trying to do is good -- trying to prevent non-target deaths (children, birds, wildlife and companion animals), but the changes are significant and should be known to all pet owners.
Please take a moment to share this important piece of information with other pet owners -- unless you were specifically looking for the information, you might never know.
Thanks to Dr. DeClementi for taking the time to speak with me about these new EPA regulations.
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