From October 1, farmers have been reminded that the rules governing the purchase of rodenticides are changing.
Farmers, gamekeepers and pest controllers are reminded that from Saturday, 1 October, they will not be able to buy professional rodenticide packs for use outdoors without first showing an approved certificate of competence or proof of membership of an approved farm assurance scheme.
Without documentation, all sellers including those online are prohibited from completing the sale under the conditions of the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime.
Dr Alan Buckle, chairman of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use, said that the way rodenticides are used must change if we are to reduce the occurrence of residues in wildlife.
"It must become a high priority in all outdoor rural locations to make them as inhospitable as possible to rodents," he explained.
"It is simply not acceptable to provide ‘bed and board’ for rodents, then attempt to solve the problem by repeatedly poisoning them with rodenticides."
