Emergency Use of Strychnine - Important Information for Agricultural Producers

Health Canada has approved emergency use of strychnine in approved areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan, including Parkland County. This approval is to help manage serious crop damage caused by Richardson’s ground squirrels.

At this time, the product is not available. While supply is expected, it may not be available until late summer, and ability to use may not occur until spring 2027 due to manufacturing, training, and distribution timelines. Supplies will be limited.

Before anyone can use strychnine:

• Mandatory training is required
• Strict rules for safe use must be followed
• The product can only be used in approved areas
• Only eligible agricultural producers may access the product.
  

Strychnine will not be available for acreages or residential properties.

Parkland County is working with the Province of Alberta to help ensure that eligible producers in our County can access strychnine when it becomes available.

If you are an agricultural producer in Parkland County and may be interested in using strychnine, please contact Parkland County Agriculture Services on 780-968-8467

This will help the County estimate how many producers may need the product and plan for fair access when supply becomes available.

More details will be shared as they become available.

More information

For further information, please visit the following external resources:

• Health Canada announcement
• Government of Alberta information about access to strychnine
• Map of approved areas