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PA EPA AND REGISTRANT REACH AGREEMENT TO PHASE OUT USE OF RID-A-BIRD PESTICIDE USED TO CONTROL CERTAIN BIRDS

Release Date: 11/14/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1997

EPA AND REGISTRANT REACH AGREEMENT TO PHASE OUT USE OF
RID-A-BIRD PESTICIDE USED TO CONTROL CERTAIN BIRDS

The registrant of Rid-A-Bird Perch 1100 Solution pesticide, Rid-A-Bird Inc., has reached an agreement with EPA to voluntarily cancel all use of this product by March l, l999 and to recall any leftover stocks from distributors and users by Dec. 1, l999. Rid-A-Bird (active ingredient, fenthion) is registered as a restricted use pesticide to control starlings, English sparrows, and pigeons which land or roost in and around buildings and on structures. Without control, such nuisance birds which congregate in large numbers can threaten public health and safety through bird-related industrial accidents and the spread of disease. EPA’s concerns are based on evidence that Rid-A-Bird is posing significant risks of poisoning to protected predatory birds, some of which are threatened or endangered, which feed on the birds poisoned by the pesticide. EPA also requested the company to make some label changes which should further mitigate the potential risk of the pesticide to non-target and endangered species during the phase-out. The registrant will make the label changes by May l, l998. The changes include a prohibition against use in starling roosting areas, other areas where over 200 starlings may roost and a prohibition on use after Oct. 1, l999. This action builds upon the use restrictions imposed by the Agency in l990. Later this month, Rid-A-Bird Inc., of Wilton, Iowa, is expected to submit an application for a permit to experiment with a product containing 3-chloro-4-methyl benzenamine (better known as CPT) to determine whether it can be used in controlling nuisance birds without causing harm to protected predatory birds. As part of the agreement, the Agency will expedite its review of CPT applications for an experimental use permit and registration in two and four months, respectively.

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