2/9/2006

The Daily Mail (London, England)

By Kurt Bayer

Meddling European chiefs are set to cause an explosion in Scotland's mole population, pest control experts warned last night.

And the soaring numbers of the tunnelling creatures could lead to an outbreak of a disease that is fatal to sheep and cattle.

Dozens of mole-catchers could also be forced to quit if the European Commission (EC) goes ahead with its plans to ban strychnine hydrochloride, which has been used for more than 50 years to kill the tiny pests.

Experts claim alternative control measures are 'useless and expensive'.

Farmers insist the Scottish mole population will soar to 'dangerous' levels after the ban on the poison is introduced on September 1.

They warn this will allow the disease listeria to flourish due to an increase in mole droppings, which spread the infection into grass, hay and silage. If this is then eaten by sheep or cattle, the fatal disease can spread quickly.

Experienced mole-catcher Reuben Young, of Scottish Wildlife Management in Armadale, West Lothian, said: 'Strychnine is by far the best and safest option for killing moles.

'This ban will leave options that are less effective and more expensive. It will force many mole-catchers to quit, with devastating effects for farmers.'

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and NFU Scotland are set to appeal against the ban on strychnine hydrochloride - which the EC says is a risk under the Plant Protection Act.

Richard Strand, executive director of the BPCA, said: 'We have submitted a proposal to the EC. We can only hope they act with common sense, but the odds are stacked against us.

'If strychnine is banned, it will have severe repercussions for farmers, pest controllers and the environment.' A spokesman for NFU Scotland said: 'Moles are a huge problem for farmers.

The soil they unearth contaminates grass and crops and the holes can be dangerous to animals.' Allan Stewart, wildlife officer for Tayside Police, added: 'There is no evidence of any other animals dying from the use of strychnine.

'I can see why mole-catchers are up in arms over this.'

DIGGING IN

* Moles can be found all over Britain but not in Ireland or on most islands off the UK coast.

* They can dig 20 yards of tunnel in a day, before resting in their chambers, which they line with dry grass.

* Moles are well suited to a life underground, with small ears hidden under their fur, tiny eyes plus narrow, compact bodies and shovel-like front feet.

* They can eat up to a third of their bodyweight each day, feeding mainly on earthworms, slugs, snails and insect larvae.

* Moles store live earthworms in their tunnels after disabling them by biting off their heads.

* They have no legal protection in the UK.