Stronger bait for farmers approved amid mouse plague
Australia's chemical regulator has approved an emergency permit for double-strength mouse baits to combat a significant mouse plague affecting grain-growing regions. Farmers have expressed relief, as the stronger bait is expected to help mitigate damage to crops and reduce health concerns in communities. Training will be required for farmers before they can purchase the new bait, which contains a higher concentration of zinc phosphide.
- ▪The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has conditionally approved the manufacture and sale of double-strength mouse baits.
- ▪Farmers have reported extensive damage to crops and homes due to the high population of mice, with estimates of 8,000 mice per hectare in some areas.
- ▪Community leaders have criticized the delay in approving stronger baits, emphasizing the urgent need to address the mouse problem.
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WA mouse plague pushes regulator to approve stronger baitBy Joanna PrendergastBy Chris LewisABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic:PestsMon 18 May 2026 at 1:10pmMon 18 May 2026 at 1:10pmMon 18 May 2026 at 1:10pmLoading...In short:An emergency permit for double-strength mouse baits has been conditionally approved by Australia's chemical regulator.It comes as plague-proportions of the rodent cause damage and distress in both Western Australia and South Australia's grain-growing regions.What's next?Farmers, who will be required to complete training before they can purchase the stronger bait, are hoping to have it within days.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).