Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) have long been under review by the APVMA. This continuing review puts the lives of native wildlife all over Australia in serious jeopardy. Initially nominated for review in 2015, the APVMA started its review of SGARs in January 2022. But despite these delays still ongoing, our native animal species remain vulnerable to the devastating impacts these poisons pose.
Scientific studies show SGARs have been detected in over 50 non-target native vertebrate species. This is particularly concerning for the most endangered populations, such as the northern quoll found in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. SGARs present serious dangers to non-target wildlife, and a diverse coalition of farmers, veterinarians, property owners and others are calling for an expeditious end to the review process.
Risks to Native Wildlife
Research has shown that SGARs are poisoning native wildlife across Australia. For instance, research conducted by Dr. Judy Dunlop indicates that northern quolls, a critically endangered species, have suffered population declines partly due to SGAR exposure. SGARs are being used on remote mine sites. This use is thought to significantly increase the risk of extinction for these quolls.
Further, native marsupials have tested positive for four different rat bait poisons, including SGARs. This issue is compounded by secondary poisoning, as animals such as the endangered northern quoll eat rodents that have eaten SGARs. Dr. Dunlop remarked on the severity of the issue:
“While it’s alarming and disappointing it’s not very surprising.” – Judy Dunlop
The consequences of SGARs go beyond the harm to specific species. The build up of these toxins in the environment adds even more stressors to native wildlife populations that are already being threatened in a myriad of other ways.
Ongoing Review Process
The APVMA has been conducting a review of SGARs for more than four years. The submission of around 54,000 pieces of written evidence means that the draft report was already delayed by several months. Scott Hansen from the APVMA noted the unpredictability of the information received during this review:
“We don’t know if we’re going to get 17 reports in or, as is the case in the rodenticide review, 1,700 reports.” – Scott Hansen
Despite the increasing evidence, the APVMA has still not placed any interim bans on SGAR products. According to Christopher Pullin, all scientific material from both Australia and overseas highlights that SGARs are indeed causing harm:
“All of the scientific material from overseas and in Australia indicates [SGARs are] causing harm.” – Christopher Pullin
In response, Commonwealth Minister Murray Watt admitted that the assessments done so far did not provide enough evidence to call for an immediate ban on anticoagulant rodenticides. This decision has angered many researchers and conservationists alike.
Call for Regulatory Action
SGARs for domestic use are prohibited in numerous countries due to their high toxicity. Many experts have been calling for tighter regulations from Australia. Dr. Dunlop emphasized the need for alignment with international standards:
“It would be great if … we have some firm regulation on these things that would align more closely with the rest of the world’s decisions on these very toxic poisons.” – Judy Dunlop
The APVMA should act on SGARs if they identify unequivocal evidence of an immediate risk to non-target animals. Public health and environmental enforcement relies on this critical data. Hansen expressed the importance of having transparent information regarding potential dangers:
“We need to have clear and obvious information that suggests there is an immediate risk to people, or the environment and to non-target animals at a population level.” – Scott Hansen
Anthony Chisholm called on the APVMA to focus on getting their findings finalised. He underscored the need to continue upholding high legal and scientific standards as stakeholders wait for a final decision.
