ABC ONLINE | Mouse numbers on the rise, farmers told to be on alert

Signs are pointing to an impending mouse population boom and growers are being encouraged to practice good harvest hygiene and watch out for signs of mice.

This advice has come from the CSIRO following recent trapping results revealing high numbers of pregnant females in key cropping zones across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

ABC Online reported that CSIRO research officer Steve Henry has concerns for next autumn's planting period if favourable conditions continue.

Grain Producers Australia has recently submitted a permit to access for use of ZP50 bait, effectively double the strength of the bait currently approved for use.

GPA research and development spokesperson and Wimmera grower said the ZP50 formulation was clearly more effective for growers and was a critical tool for growers.

Mr Weidemann said GPA had commissioned Chris Lee-Steere, an expert in environmental risk assessment of agricultural chemicals, to provide evidence ZP50 could be used without unintended impacts on native animals. 

"That's the research work we need to underpin the survival of [the product], making sure we have the data to allow our regulator to give the green light," he said. 

Read more