The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is inviting responses from relevant parties in response to derogating Cholecalciferol to the exclusion criteria.

BPCA, on behalf of all its members, has responded. An extract from the response is,

“As the leading UK trade association for the professional pest control industry, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) recognises the importance of having a range of options with which to control rodent pest species for the protection of public health, animal health, food security and the environment.

"In terms of rodenticides, currently, and in particular for the control of rats, there is an over-reliance on the use of anticoagulant (AVK) rodenticides.

"The additional availability of Cholecalciferol based rodenticides for professional pest controllers would introduce a valuable, complementary control option alongside the continued use of anticoagulant (AVK) rodenticides.

"BPCA recognises the potentially positive role which Cholecalciferol based rodenticides could have for professional pest controllers and supports the authorisation of this active substance in accordance with the derogations specified in Article 5(2) (b) and (c) of the BPR.”

The response also calls upon recent research from the University of Reading, referencing the widespread resistance of rats and mice in the UK to the second-generation active substances (SGARs) difenacoum and bromadiolone, shown in CRRU’s Anticoagulant Resistance in Rats and Mice in the UK Report.

However, the response does point out that Cholecalciferol based rodenticides should not be considered as a complete replacement for anticoagulant (AVK) rodenticides. Cholecalciferol based rodenticides should be seen and authorised as a significant additional tool for professional pest controllers.

In summary, the response highlights BPCA’s support for the authorisation of Cholecalciferol based rodenticides for professional pest controllers as an effective addition to anticoagulant (AVK) rodenticides, providing greater flexibility in IPM and resistance management.

Read the full response

Source: Online