ABC ONLINE | Mouse plague fears deepen as chemical regulator rejects CSIRO bait research

A growing divide between research and regulation is shaping the response to rising mouse numbers across Australia’s grain regions.

Reporting from ABC News highlights calls from growers and industry for access to higher-strength zinc phosphide bait, as mouse populations surge in Western Australia.

Grain producers say current bait rates are not delivering consistent control, with many pushing for an emergency permit to allow a stronger formulation. However, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has not approved its manufacture, citing the need for further evidence.

Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the situation reflects the urgency growers are facing on the ground.

“Growers are seeing mouse numbers escalate quickly, and there is strong feedback that current bait settings are not delivering consistent results in paddocks,” Mr Weidemann said.

“This is about making sure producers have access to tools that match the scale of the problem during seeding.”

Mouse numbers in parts of WA are being reported at extreme levels, with growers working to gather further evidence to support an emergency permit application.

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