VICTORIA JOINS NATIONAL MOUSE MONITORING PUSH

The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on growers across the state to report observations of mouse activity, in an effort to strengthen monitoring of potential population increases amidst plauge conditions in other states.

Data collected, excluding personal details, will be shared with Grain Producers Australia to help assess whether elevated mouse pressure warrants activation of stronger control measures under a national permit system.

Grain Producers Australia has secured an emergency permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for access to 50 gram per kilogram zinc phosphide bait, known as ZP50, which is intended for use in areas where mouse activity reaches defined thresholds.

The permit will not apply nationally at all times, but will be triggered on a regional basis once sufficient reports are received, using ecological zone mapping and rapid assessment monitoring to target affected areas.

Growers accessing the bait will be required to complete online training and comply with strict reporting conditions, as industry bodies emphasise a coordinated and regulated approach to managing outbreaks.

More information can be found, and submissions made, through the Victorian Farmers Federation’s website at vff.org.au.