Industry Awaits Decision on Stronger Mouse Bait Permit

Grain Producers Australia says work is continuing with the national regulator on an emergency permit application for stronger zinc phosphide mouse bait, as growers battle rising mouse numbers across parts of South Australia and Western Australia.

The application for access to fifty-gram-per-kilogram zinc phosphide bait was lodged with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in late April.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation and the CSIRO are also assisting with the assessment process.

GPA spokesperson Andrew Weidemann says growers are facing mounting pressure during a critical stage of crop establishment, with concerns current bait products may not be sufficient under plague conditions.

The APVMA says assessments are now underway to ensure any permit remains safe for people, trade and the environment, while recognising the urgency facing grain producers on the ground.

A decision on the emergency permit application is expected in the near term.