Last week, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) led 35 other livestock, poultry and egg organizations in asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider the analysis used for a proposal to restrict the use of pyrethrin, the pesticide used in food animal houses to control flies.
In comments submitted to the EPA, the groups pointed out that “fly control in animal agriculture facilities is fundamentally important to prevent the spread of animal diseases, to reduce vector transmission of foodborne illness-causing organisms like salmonella, the comfort and welfare of the animals, and the benefits to those working in or around the facilities.”
They noted alternative products are either “far less effective, require several more applications, or would inevitably drive resistance among the adult fly breeding population.”
An EPA proposed interim decision would limit application methods of pyrethrin, but, the organizations pointed out, the pesticide needs to be applied as small droplets that can be suspended in the air, so spraying, fogging and misting are essential ways to apply it.
Click here to read the comments.