textdi.com - Western Australian farmers are facing a severe mouse plague, with 8,000 mice per hectare in some areas. To combat the issue, farmers need a higher dose of zinc phosphide to be effective, but the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is refusing to approve the manufacture of double-strength baits due to concerns over the data. Despite research from the CSIRO showing that a 50g/kg rate of zinc phosphide is more effective, the APVMA has rejected previous applications for emergency permits. The issue is not only a welfare concern for the mice, but also a significant economic burden for farmers, with estimated losses of $50 million in crop damage over the next few weeks.

Farmers say an easy solution to the mouse plague has been rejected

Western Australian farmers are facing a severe mouse plague, with 8,000 mice per hectare in some areas. To combat the issue, farmers need a higher dose of zinc phosphide to be effective, but the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is refusing to approve the manufacture of double-strength baits due to concerns over the data. Despite research from the CSIRO showing that a 50g/kg rate of zinc phosphide is more effective, the APVMA has rejected previous applications for emergency permits. The issue is not only a welfare concern for the mice, but also a significant economic burden for farmers, with estimated losses of $50 million in crop damage over the next few weeks.