UPDATED MOUSE ACTIVITY LEVELS CHANGE ZP50 ACCESS IN WA

Three Western Australian agroecological zones (AEZ) are no longer eligible for access to ZP50 under the current emergency permit after a decline in mouse activity levels identified through the national mouse monitoring network. 

The latest monitoring results have also seen one South Australian AEZ move from a high to moderate mouse activity, which still allows for ZP50 purchase and use in this area. 

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is reminding growers that eligibility to purchase and use zinc phosphide bait (ZP50) is linked to the latest mouse activity classifications, which are updated every two weeks through the national mouse monitoring network. HERE 

The current Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) emergency permit only allows the purchase and use of ZP50 in AEZs classified as having moderate or high mouse activity. 

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the latest changes highlighted the importance of growers understanding how the monitoring, eligibility and reporting requirements work together under the permit. HERE 

"The recent changes in eligibility demonstrate why growers need to regularly check the mouse activity rating for their area throughout the permit period," Mr Weidemann said. 

"Eligibility can change as mouse activity levels change, so growers should review the latest classifications before purchasing or using ZP50. 

“Access to ZP50 being structured in this way allows for grower access to be flexible in areas of need if mouse activity were to expand and affect other grain producing areas around the country.” 

Mouse activity ratings are informed by monitoring that is conducted fortnightly across all AEZs in multiple locations and includes active mouse burrow counts and chew card assessments.  

The monitoring results determine whether an AEZ is classified as having low, moderate or high mouse activity, which in turn determines whether growers in that zone are eligible to purchase or use ZP50 under the permit. 

Growers are also being encouraged to make contact and inform activity levels, particularly in areas of emerging mouse activity or where ongoing activity exceeds indicated levels. HERE

Permit conditions apply to both the purchase and use of ZP50, which means product that may already be in storage cannot be used outside of the moderate or high mouse activity zones. 

GPA is also reminding growers that all baiting events conducted under the permit must be reported through the GPA training and reporting platform. 

As part of the reporting process, growers are required to provide information on where baiting occurred, including the relevant agroecological zone.  

This information is provided to relevant state agriculture departments and the APVMA and forms part of the permit's compliance framework. 

"The monitoring network, eligibility requirements and reporting obligations are all connected," Mr Weidemann said. 

"The same agroecological zones used to determine eligibility are captured through the reporting process, helping demonstrate that ZP50 is being used in accordance with the permit conditions. 

"The information collected supports compliance activities and helps build a better understanding of mouse activity and control outcomes across affected regions." 

Under the latest monitoring update, the WA Central, WA Eastern and WA Sandplain AEZs moved from eligible classifications to low mouse activity status and are no longer eligible for access to ZP50 under the permit. 

In South Australia, the SA Mid North-Lower Yorke Eyre AEZ zone moved from a high mouse activity classification to a moderate mouse activity classification and remains eligible for access to ZP50. 

WA Northern remains classified as having high mouse activity and continues to meet the permit requirements. 

Growers are encouraged to review the latest mouse activity classifications and permit information prior to purchasing or using ZP50. 

Visit www.grainproducers.com.au/mouse-control for more information. 

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544  

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193