The Scottish government’s decision to ban the use of the chemical Asulox to control bracken has been slammed by farmers’ leaders and described by one MSP as “the Green tail wagging a docile dog.”
Bracken harbours ticks which can spread Lyme disease and can also pose a threat to biodiversity, drinking water, agriculture, animal welfare and public health.
In previous years the government has granted what’s described as emergency approval for its use but this year following advice from the Health and Safety Executive has decided not to do so.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, said she had not taken the decision lightly.
“The Health and Safety Executive advice to all four nations of the UK was not to authorise the use of Asulox because of the risks it poses to human, animal and environmental health,” she said.
“Independent advice from the chief scientific adviser and the expert committee on pesticides supported this conclusion, and the Welsh government have confirmed that they too will follow the HSE advice.”
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