Released on April 9, 2026
The Emergency Use Registration for two per cent liquid strychnine has been expanded to allow a broader range of Saskatchewan rural municipalities (RMs) access for integrated pest management of Richardson's ground squirrels until November 2027.
"We heard from farmers and ranchers that further expanding the eligible area was necessary," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "This change better reflects regions with the highest Richardson's ground squirrel populations and ensures producers have access to the right tools to manage this pest."
Saskatchewan submitted a request to Health Canada's Pesticides Regulatory Directorate last week to expand the eligible area to include RMs with the highest Richardson's ground squirrel populations while protecting species at risk. As a result, 208 RMs in roughly 15 crop districts in southern and western Saskatchewan will have access to strychnine.
The revised Emergency Use Registration includes measures to protect species at risk, including increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements, as well as enhanced mandatory training.
The Ministry of Agriculture is developing a Strychnine Stewardship Program to be delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. Program details will be shared through RMs once program details and manufacturing timelines are confirmed.
For the 2026 season, strychnine is expected to be available for a late-summer application. If strychnine becomes available before the spring application window closes, producers will be notified through RMs.
Richardson's ground squirrels cause significant agricultural damage by consuming crops and their extensive burrowing damages pastures and creates holes that pose a risk of injury to grazing livestock.
Program information and other Richardson's ground squirrel control options are available at Saskatchewan.ca/RGS-Control.
Producer questions can be directed to RGS@gov.sk.ca.
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