ABC ONLINE | WA mouse plague pushes regulator to approve stronger bait

After months of pressure from industry and regional communities, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority approved an emergency permit for 50 g/kg zinc phosphide mouse bait.

ABC News spoke with growers, researchers and Grain Producers Australia (GPA) about what the decision means for managing one of the worst mouse outbreaks in recent memory.

Welcoming the decision, GPA Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said, "While grain growers have had ongoing access to 25g/kg zinc phosphide (ZP25) mouse bait, it's not strong enough to tackle the level of mice issues that we're seeing at the moment, so we are incredibly grateful for this permit."

He said the emergency permit balanced access to a more effective management tool with appropriate safety, environmental and trade safeguards.

Read more