UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D
.C

. 20460 

## FEB 23 2015

MEMORANDUM OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION

SUBJECT: BEAD Chemical Profile for Registration Review: Nicarbazin (85712) FROM: Colwell Cook, Entomologist

# VI''~ Biological Analysis Branch Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7503P) THRU: Arnet Jones, Chief Biological Analysis Bran Biological and Economic TO: Bonnie Adler, Chemical ReviewManager Jill Bloom, Team Leader Risk Management and ImplementationBranch 5 Pesticide Re-evaluation Division (7508P)


### Product Review Panel date: February 19,2015
SUMMARY Nicarbazin is a pesticide that is fed to feral pigeons to reduce viability oftheir eggs. Nicarbazin interferes with the formation ofthe vitelline membrane, separating the egg yolk and egg white. This chemical was developed as a contraceptive in ajointprogram between the National Wildlife Research Center (USDA/ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) and industry for pestbirds in 2005. Although originally registered for Canada geese, currently it is registered for use on only feral pigeons. Nicarbazin has been used since 1955 as an antiprotozoal medication for broiler chickens. There are no use or usage data available for nicarbazin.

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### 1 of3INTRODUCTION The purpose ofthis document is to convey usage information and a broad overview ofthe pest managementroles ofnicarbazinthatis beginning to undergo registration review. The anticipated audience consists ofthe team ofEPA staffcurrently evaluating the registration status of nicarbazin, and eventually the general public. There are no data to provide for nicarbazin. This documentis based on available information as ofFebruary2015. IDSTORY OF BEAD ASSESSMENTS FORNICARBAZIN BEAD has not conducted any assessments for nicarbazin. COMMON FORMULATIONS AND APPLICATION METHODS Nicarbazin is formulated as a granular. USE SITES Agricultural Use Sites There are no agricultural pesticidal uses for nicarbazin. Non-Agricultural Use Sites: Nicarbazinis registered for use inpigeon-infested urban areas, including office parks, malls, institutions, bridges, airports, and other commercial and industrial buildings or structures. Itmay also be applied to rooftops or other flat paved or concrete surfaces that are in secured areas with limitedpublic access. NICARBAZIN USAGE There are no usage data available for nicarbazin. BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS RELEVANT TO NICARBAZIN Nicarbazin decreases egg viability by interfering with the formation ofthe vitelline membrane, separating the egg yolk and egg white. It is thought nicarbazin interferes with cholesterol metabolism in the formation ofthe membrane. Eggs from treated birds are described as mottled in appearance, reflecting a porous vitelline membrane. The effect on the hatchability ofthe egg is a function oftime and dose. The effect ofnicarbazin is reversible (i.e. once nicarbazin feeding has been stopped birds will lay viable eggs). Nicarbazin must be available throughout the egg-laying period. Ithas no effect on adultbirds. ROLE OF NICARBAZIN IN PEST MANAGEMENT Although used inthe poultry industry for decades as a coccidiostat, nicarbazin was initially registered in 2005 as a baitto limitreproduction inresident Canada geese, especially inurban areas, such as airports, parks, and commercial properties. Because Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, use ofthis contraceptive-control pesticide requires special Page 2 of3Federal Permitting withthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some states added more restrictions orwould notregister it at all. In some settings, such as airports, it takes too long to reduce the populations (MacDonald and Wolf, 2013). Because ofthe commercial failure ofthis product, this use for Canada geese was voluntarily cancelledby the registrant. In 2007, feral pigeons were added to the label. Nicarbazin mayplay an importantrole in feral pigeonpest management, especially in urban settings. Sincepigeons are notprotected migratory birds, there are fewer political and social pressures to protect them (MacDonald and Wolf, 2013). Since this product decreases the reproductive rate ofpest birds, it may be a valuable tool in pest population control.
INFORMATION THAT MAY BE USEFUL FORBEAD'S FUTURE WORKON NICARBAZIN The Agency currently does not have information on nicarbazin. Obtainingthe following usage information may improve future assessments conductedbythe Agency related to the use and importance ofnicarbazin:
• Anyusage data (pounds a.i. applied peryear, maximumrate ofapplication, number ofapplications peryear) • Timing ofapplications, with targetpestbiology, including effectiveness of treatments.

REFERENCES MacDonald, A. and E. Wolf. 2013. The political and social barriers for contraception inpest birds: a case study ofOvocontrol (nicarbazin). 

### J. Zoo Wild. Med 2013 Dec 44(4 Suppl):S132-4.

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