A review of existing and potential New World and Australasian vertebrate pesticides with a rationale for linking use patterns to registration requirements

Abstract

Registration is a necessarily sophisticated evaluation process applied to vertebrate pesticide products. Although conducted to minimise any potential impacts upon public health, the environment and food production, the all-encompassing process of registration can stifle innovation. Vertebrate pesticides are rarely used to control pest animals in food crops. In contrast to agrochemicals, relatively small amounts of vertebrate pesticides are used (<0.1%), usually in solid or paste baits, and generally by discrete application methods rather than by broad-scale spray applications. We present a hierarchy or sliding scale of typical data requirements relative to application techniques, to help clarify an evolving science-based approach which focuses on requiring data to address key scientific questions while allowing waivers where additional data have minor value. Such an approach will facilitate the development and delivery of increasingly humane, species-targeted, low residue pesticides in the New World, along with the phasing out of less desirable chemicals that continue to be used due to a lack of alternatives.

Keywords:

• toxin
• regulation
• environmental safety
• data requirements
• America
• Australia
• New Zealand

Acknowledgements

The National Wildlife Research Centre, Fort Collins USA, are thanked for hosting a workshop in March 2008, and the Animal Health Board in New Zealand are thanked for encouraging and supporting Professor Eason with his involvement in this project.