UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 

FEB 2 3 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 Review Manager 

Jill Bloom, Team Leader 

Risk Management and Implementation Branch 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 of their eggs. Nicarbazin 

interferes with the formation of the vitelline membrane, separating the egg yolk and egg white. This 

chemical was developed as a contraceptive in a joint program between the National Wildlife 

Research Center (USDA/ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) and industry for pest birds 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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INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this document is to convey usage information and a broad overview of the pest 

management roles of nicarbazin that is beginning to undergo registration review. The anticipated 

audience consists of the team of EPA staff currently evaluating the registration status of 

nicarbazin, and eventually the general public. There are no data to provide for nicarbazin. This 

document is based on available information as ofFebruary 2015. 

IDSTORY OF BEAD ASSESSMENTS FOR NICARBAZIN 

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: 

Nicarbazin is registered for use in pigeon-infested urban areas, including office parks, malls, 

institutions, bridges, airports, and other commercial and industrial buildings or structures. It may 

also be applied to rooftops or other flat paved or concrete surfaces that are in secured areas with 

limited public 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 of the vitelline membrane, 

separating the egg yolk and egg white. It is thought nicarbazin interferes with cholesterol 

metabolism in the formation of the membrane. Eggs from treated birds are described as mottled in 

appearance, reflecting a porous vitelline membrane. The effect on the hatchability of the 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. It has no effect on adult birds. 

ROLE OF NICARBAZIN IN PEST MANAGEMENT 

Although used in the poultry industry for decades as a coccidiostat, nicarbazin was initially 

registered in 2005 as a bait to limit reproduction in resident Canada geese, especially in urban 

areas, such as airports, parks, and commercial properties. Because Canada geese are protected 

under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, use of this contraceptive-control pesticide requires special 

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Federal Permitting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some states added more restrictions 

or would not register 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 of this product, 

this use for Canada geese was voluntarily cancelled by the registrant. 

In 2007, feral pigeons were added to the label. Nicarbazin may play an important role in feral 

pigeon pest management, especially in urban settings. Since pigeons are not protected migratory 

birds, there are fewer political and social pressures to protect them (MacDonald and Wolf, 2013). 

Since this product decreases the reproductive rate of pest birds, it may be a valuable tool in pest 

population control. 

INFORMATION THAT MAY BE USEFUL FOR BEAD'S FUTURE WORK ON 

NICARBAZIN 

The Agency currently does not have information on nicarbazin. Obtaining the following usage 

information may improve future assessments conducted by the Agency related to the use and 

importance of nicarbazin: 

• Any usage data (pounds a.i. applied per year, maximum rate of application, number 

of applications per year) 

• Timing of applications, with target pest biology, including effectiveness of 

treatments. 

REFERENCES 

MacDonald, A. and E. Wolf. 2013. The political and social barriers for contraception in pest 

birds: a case study ofOvocontrol (nicarbazin). J. Zoo Wild. Med 2013 Dec 44(4 Suppl):S132-4. 

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