Pressure is growing on the APVMA from the grains sector to approve the use of 50 gram zinc phosphide baits, with an industry mouse expert saying the stronger baits are far and away the best option to tackle some already big mouse numbers across the country.
The APVMA received an application from Grain Producers Australia for a new minor use permit in November last year, which would allow growers to use 50 g/kg zinc phosphide for the control of mice.
The baits - double the strength of customary 25g/kg baits which are now considered largely ineffective - were previously given an emergency use permit by the APVMA but that expired as of January 1 this year.