Tuesday, May 14, 2019

MD Cracking Down on Pesticide Tied to Eagle Poisonings

Md. to Crack Down on Pesticide in Wake of Bald Eagle Deaths
The illegal pesticide carbofuran is still being used on Maryland’s Eastern Shore— and after seven bald eagles were poisoned, the state is cracking down on its use.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) issued an enforcement advisory in response to the most recent poisonings in Kent and Talbot County “reminding all farmers, applicators, and retailers that the use and sale of carbofuran (commonly known as Furadan) is ILLEGAL under state and federal law.”

The advisory continues, “Violations of Maryland’s Pesticide Applicator Law are subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and/or prison. Violators may also be subject to further penalties from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”


Last week Bay Bulletin reported on the poisonings that have killed at least seven bald eagles and a horned owl, which appear to be caused by carbofuran. The pesticide was banned by the EPA in 2009. It has been used to poison pests on farms, but it's so lethal to birds that an eagle could die just from feeding on a poisoned fox.

In a case similar to the recent deaths, 13 bald eagle were poisoned back in February 2016 under similar circumstances in Caroline County.

“We are all very troubled by the continued use of this highly toxic banned pesticide,” said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Carbofuran has been banned for a reason, and this trend of wildlife poisonings on the Eastern Shore is unacceptable. I urge anyone still in possession of carbofuran to contact our pesticide regulation section immediately and arrange for proper disposal.”

It’s technically legal to possess a banned pesticide, but it may not be used, sold, or traded. That’s why MDA and the Department of Natural Resources are calling for anyone with carbofuran to responsibly get rid of it.
Eagle numbers do seem to be down in our region. Is this the reason? 

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