Ficam D: Approval for use in outdoor areas

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A decision made on 15 July 2019

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2019-0067
Decision Summary Title :	Approval for the use of Ficam D in outdoor areas		Date of Decision Summary:	10 July 2019
Decision Summary Author:	Plant Pathologist & Laboratory Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Approval for the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations for the control of Asian Hornets		Date of Written Report:	10 July 2019
Written Report Author:	Plant Pathologist & Laboratory Manager. Growth, Housing & Environment		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Approval for the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations by qualified pest controllers where Asian Hornets pose an acute risk to vulnerable persons.
Reason(s) for Decision: In accordance with the Pesticides (Jersey) law 1991, the Minister may at any time give his approval in relation to a pesticide or amend the conditions of an approval; each approval may authorise the supply, storage and use of the pesticide to which it relates. In addition the Minister may approve a pesticide which has been authorised for use elsewhere subject to the conditions of use. This decision provides for the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations by qualified pest controllers where Asian Hornets pose an acute risk to vulnerable persons.
Resource Implications: None
Action(s) required: As soon as reasonably practical, give public notice in the Jersey Gazette of this Ministerial Decision. Issue qualified pest controllers wishing to use Ficam D in Jersey an Authorisation document.
Signature: Deputy John Young		Position: Minister for the Environment
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Ficam D: Approval for the use of in outdoor areas

Minister for the Environment

Ministerial Decision Report

Approval for the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations for the control of asian hornets

Purpose of Report

To request the Minister for the Environment (The Minister) to approve the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations by qualified pest controllers where Asian Hornets pose an acute risk to vulnerable persons.

Background

Since the arrival of Asian Hornets to the island, control measures using insecticides to eradicate hornets in nests have mostly involved the use of the natural pyrethrum product Zerox P. Zerox P is somewhat effective but is slow-acting and may not eliminate all hornets present in a nest. Ficam D is a biocidal insecticide product containing the active ingredient bendiocarb (1.25% bendiocarb); in contrast to Zerox P, it is fast-acting and highly effective and so is the preferred option in areas where vulnerable persons may be present and at risk from attack such as schools and nursing homes. The authorisation for Ficam D was routinely renewed in January 2019 but the conditions of use were changed and the new label no longer allows for outdoor use. Prior to 2019 outdoor use was allowed. It is unknown why the change has occurred.

The use of Ficam D in outdoor situations will be strictly limited. Only a small number of qualified pest controllers registered with Growth, Housing and Environment for Asian Hornet control work will be permitted and only in situations where there is an acute risk of hornet attacks to vulnerable persons. It is envisaged that, island-wide, no more than 10 kilogrammes of Ficam D will be used in these situations per annum. An additional condition of use will be that, where practicable, treated nests and hornets will be collected and disposed of to avoid affecting off-target insects and other organisms.

3. Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to approve the use of Ficam D in outdoor situations by qualified pest controllers where Asian Hornets post an acute risk to vulnerable persons.

4. Reason for Decision

In accordance with the Pesticides (Jersey) law 1991, the Minister may at any time give his approval in relation to a pesticide or amend the conditions of an approval; each approval may authorise the supply, storage and use of the pesticide to which it relates. In addition the Minister may approve a pesticide which has been authorised for use elsewhere subject to the conditions of use. This decision provides for the use of Ficam D in the control of Asian Hornets in outdoor situations where vulnerable persons are at risk from attack.

5. Resource Implications

This decision will result in no resource implications.

Report author : Stephen Thompson, Plant Pathologist & Laboratory Manager	Document date: 10th July 2019
Quality Assurance / Review : Willie Peggie, Director – Natural Environment	MD Sponsor: Willie Peggie, Director – Natural Environment

MD-PE-2019-0067