(Pierre, SD) – Recently, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has received requests to issue a special label authorizing the use of Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait to control prairie dogs. SDDA has reviewed the Rozol product thoroughly after a request was received last year and denied the special label request for the following reasons.

 The request did not meet the conditions specified in the federal regulations. The state did not have the authority to issue a special label in this case, because there are other registered products available.

From information provided, SDDA determined that Rozol bait provided a maximum of 68% control in baiting studies (Lee, 2002), where other registered prairie dog baits, when used as directed, have shown 90% or better control.

While all poison baits present hazards, SDDA determined that Rozol bait presented a significant secondary poisoning hazard to non-target animals that other registered products did not. Rozol bait is an anti-coagulant, which means it is dispersed through the blood stream and causes internal or external hemorrhaging. This fact poses a significant threat to any animal that may eat the poisoned carcass of a Rozol baited prairie dog, such as eagles, hawks, coyotes and even the endangered Black Footed Ferret and Swift Fox. 

It has been presented that Rozol treatments would be an easy one step baiting procedure, which is not the case. The Rozol label states that a constant supply of bait be maintained as long as there is activity at the site. A Rozol treatment site, according to the label, would need to be monitored and prairie dogs that died above ground would have to be collected and buried immediately.

SDDA also reviewed the cost and use rate of Rozol baiting versus registered zinc phosphide baits. Rozol treatments suggest ¼ cup (54 grams) of bait to be applied at all active holes, while 2 % zinc phosphide baits call for 1 teaspoon (4 grams). SDDA determined that the Rozol treatments would be at least 50% higher in cost than zinc phosphide treatments and would require a much larger amount of bait applied.   

SDDA has suggested that those requesting the special label and the manufacturer of Rozol bait pursue federal registration through EPA to get the bait labeled for use on prairie dogs.

            Questions regarding Special Local Needs labeling and registered prairie dog baits may be answered by calling the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at 1-800-228-5254.

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