APVMA Decision on Rodenticides

Australians have a limited time to submit feedback regarding the over-the-counter sale of rodenticides. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) released findings in December, concluding that second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) should remain available for sale.

Concerns Over Wildlife Impact

Associate Professor John White of Deakin University expressed disappointment with the APVMA's recommendations, noting that Australia's stance on SGARs is increasingly out of step with other countries.

Professor White highlighted substantial evidence from Australia demonstrating widespread exposure of native wildlife, including owls, raptors, quolls, and goannas, to SGARs. Studies have detected rodenticide residues in these animals, often at concentrations linked to illness or death, through secondary poisoning (consuming poisoned prey) or non-target poisoning (direct consumption).

APVMA Recommendations and Expert Opposition

Over 280 experts had advocated for SGARs to be removed from consumer sale. The APVMA's review prioritized risk mitigation strategies, such as label changes, packaging controls, and adjustments to bait placement and delivery, rather than an outright ban. The consultation period for these proposed decisions ends on March 16. Experts believe these measures are unlikely to significantly reduce harm, particularly secondary poisoning, which occurs days or weeks after baiting.

Retailer Response and International Context

Amazon Australia confirmed it would remove SGARs from sale on its platform.

However, these products continue to be widely sold by major Australian retailers like Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings, and Mitre10. These retailers state they comply with federal regulations and advise customers to follow product instructions. Globally, countries in Europe, Canada, and the United States have banned SGARs for general public use or restricted them to licensed professionals.

Alternatives to SGARs

Professor White suggested alternatives to toxic rodenticides, including improved sanitation and waste management, effective trapping in household settings, and the use of natural-based products or lower-toxicity options like warfarin. Protecting native predators through habitat conservation is also noted as beneficial. Integrated pest management, which combines various strategies, can reduce reliance on highly toxic poisons.

Regulatory reform, such as restricting SGAR sales to licensed pest controllers, has been adopted overseas. Researchers and conservation groups are increasingly calling for outright bans, citing limited evidence that restrictions alone prevent wildlife exposure. Monitoring programs for wildlife exposure are limited and expensive, leading to a likely underestimation of the problem's true scale.