Call to Action:
2025 ASB Gopher (Richardson’s Ground Squirrel) Impact Survey
This survey has been created to capture evidence on the impact of the current outbreak, and control methods. Federal MP John Barlow, the Shadow Minister of Agriculture, has asked the ASBs to provide this information on behalf of farmers.
“The purpose of this data collection is to provide a clear and credible summary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, with the goal of encouraging timely action to support Prairie producers facing increasingly severe pest damage.” John Barlow, Letter to ASBs June 20,2025
Photos of the damage are appreciated. Please consider uploading photos of the damage or loss (drone photos are great) in the survey or by email to admin@agriculturalserviceboards.com
Share this page or the links to help us reach as many farmers as possible. Ideal will be to have 200 submissions.
History of Strychnine Use in the Prairies
- Since 1928, farmers in the Canadian Prairies have relied on 2% Strychnine for gopher control.
- 1992: First deregistration due to concerns about non-target species.
- 1992–2020: Emergency use registrations allowed limited access.
- 2007–2019: Research conducted to develop alternatives.
- 2020: PMRA deregistered strychnine with a 3-year phase-out.
- March 7, 2024: Full deregistration of all strychnine products, including predator control.
Other information:
- ASB Position Paper on Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control
- Evaluation of Alternatives to Strychnine (2023)
- Strychnine and Richardson’s Ground Squirrels
- Richardson’s Ground Squirrels update (2025)
- Gophers (Richardson’s Ground Squirrels) are native and designated as nuisance in Alberta Pest Act
- Gophers are an issue for the Black, Dk Brown and Light Brown soils in the Prairies
- There are no gophers in the Peace region.
- The decision to deregister Strychnine for pest control (RGS and predators) was made by PMRA an agency of Health Canada
- Ministers of Agriculture from affected provinces, as well as municipal associations have been engaging with PMRA, Health Canada and the Federal Minister of Agriculture.
- Determining the value of products on the market for their registered purpose is for the consumer (aka farmer).
“While PMRA cannot legally take into account socio-economic costs and benefits in determining the acceptability of risks, the working group felt that the value of a pesticide should be considered in other aspects of PMRA’s work.” Working Group on Pesticides Management,
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