Alberta’s Emergency Use of Strychnine: Guidelines

As municipal Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs), we are working alongside the Government of Alberta to help agricultural producers respond to the current severe Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (RGS) infestation that are damaging forage and crops and creating risks for livestock and farm infrastructure. A temporary, targeted Emergency Use Registration allows agricultural producers in designated areas to access 2% liquid strychnine as one tool—used only under strict conditions and as part of their ongoing Integrated Pest Management strategy.

What’s authorized and for how long?

This emergency registration is temporary and remains in effect until November 2027. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is working with the manufacturer to acquire the active ingredient, import it into Canada, and support production and distribution in Alberta. A limited supply is expected to be available through municipalities from late May to early June 2026. 

How producer access works

Producers may only obtain 2% liquid strychnine from a municipality located in the approved Emergency Use Registration area. If a producer farms or ranches in multiple municipalities, they can purchase from their home municipality. Municipal staff can also help producers interpret label and disposal requirements. 

Purchase requirements

To purchase, producers must provide:  

1. Proof of completed applicator training each year, Strychnine Stewardship Training – SARM | Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities 
2. An integrated pest management (IPM) and monitoring plan (including locations of severe infestations), and
3. A signed declaration confirming compliance with label requirements.  

Availability is limited with priority to areas with greatest need.

Mandatory Training

There is specific training for both Agricultural Producers and municipal staff distributing the product. 

Producer Training Certificate:

• A valid Producer Training Certificate is required for an Agricultural Producer to purchase strychnine. 
• Access to the Strychnine Stewardship Training for the 2026 season is available from May 4 to August 1, 2026. 
• Producer Training takes around 1 hour to complete and the certificate is valid for this season (Expires: 2026-09-01).Strychnine Stewardship Training – SARM | Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities 

Alberta Strychnine Venders Training

• Required by all municipal staff participating in this Emergency Use distribution
• Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen Vender Strychnine Training link can be requested by email to ASBProgram@gov.ab.ca  
• Alberta municipal staff training is NOT available through the SARM “Administrator” link on the SARM website,

Timing restrictions

Application of strychnine is only permitted during two defined windows:  

1. Early spring (March 1–June 15), before vegetation has emerged, and  
2. Late summer (July 15–September 1), after vegetation has died down. Spring is the best time to apply

Always follow label instructions. These timing rules align with when poisoning is the most effective for addressing an outbreak and is intended to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning of non-target species.  

Addressing concerns about secondary poisoning

The risk to secondary poisoning and the potential impacts on non-target wildlife and pets is a concern for all involved. This is a difficult trade-off, and it’s important to be clear: using 2% liquid strychnine is not risk-free and is a tool being used as a last resort.  

It is being applied only in specific, high-pressure circumstances where infestations are severe, and other measures are not sufficient on their own. That’s why this is an Emergency Use Registration limiting access with tight controls including mandatory training, a required IPM and monitoring plan, purchase limits, and a signed commitment to follow all label directions, which including timing and handling requirements intended to reduce exposure to non-target species.  

The commitment to responsible land and wildlife stewardship remains. Every effort is being taken to minimize the impact to non-target species and protect food production.

Where to get the latest updates

For the most current updates for Alberta, eligibility details, and Richardson’s ground squirrel control information for Alberta, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/richardsons-ground-squirrel-control.

For local availability and purchasing details, contact your municipal Agricultural Service Board.

Process for accessing and using the product is province specific.

Related information:

Alberta.ca – Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control