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Defenders in Action: Pulling the Plug on a Deadly Pesticide
other bird species: The federal government
recently decided to curb use of the pesticide
carbofuran. This chemical, once used widely
on feed crops, is highly toxic and has killed
millions of birds.
In a victory for wild birds and other wildlife, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August proposed eliminating most uses of one of the most toxic pesticides left on the market, thanks to years of pressure from Defenders of Wildlife, the American Bird Conservancy and other conservation groups. A complete phase-out is expected by 2010.
The pesticide, carbofuran, has been responsible for the deaths of millions of wild birds--including bald eagles, golden eagles and red-tailed hawks--since its introduction about three decades ago. The pesticide was once widely used on alfalfa, corn, cotton, potato and rice crops.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists found that no known conditions existed under which carbofuran could be used without killing migratory birds, and that "many of these die-off incidents followed applications…made with extraordinary care." If a flock of mallards were to feed on a treated alfalfa field, for example, it was believed that about 92 percent of the flock would die.
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence of carbofuran’s extreme toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, the manufacturer--FMC Corporation--fought all efforts to have the chemical discontinued.
"Although not used as extensively as it once was in the United States, it was responsible for killing more birds than other more widely used pesticides," says Caroline Kennedy, Defenders’ director of species conservation. "It’s also bad for people, especially farm workers."
Conservationists hope the U.S. decision will prompt other countries to curb use of the chemical. The proposed new policy would also apply to its use on most major imported agricultural products, which means that countries wishing to export produce into the United States could not use carbofuran on those crops.
"Carbofuan was one of this country’s most harmful licensed products," says Kennedy. "We are delighted that the EPA is doing the right thing."
