South Australian farmers have been granted an emergency use permit to access a powerful tool which will better protect the state’s agriculture sector from mice
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has allowed South Australian producers to access double-strength Zinc Phosphide mouse bait (ZnP50).
APVMA approved an emergency use application prepared by Grain Producers Australia on behalf of the industry, as ZnP50 will help grain producers in areas heavily impacted by mice to better control pest rodents damaging their crops.
CSIRO monitoring in recent months has confirmed mouse population increases, with significant rises recorded in the Adelaide Plains and Yorke Peninsula.
Farmers have raised concerns that the currently approved zinc phosphide product, ZnP25, is less effective at controlling high numbers of mice, the South Australian government says.
“While grain growers have had ongoing access to 25g/kg zinc phosphide (ZnP25) mouse bait, it’s not strong enough to tackle the level of mice issues that we’re seeing at the moment,” GPA research development and extension spokesperson Andrew Weidemann says.
“We are incredibly grateful for this permit for 50g/kg zinc phosphide (ZnP50) that GPA have been able to secure as the applicant with critical support from GRDC and CSIRO.
“GPA is mindful that every day is critical when combatting pests like mice which can obviously cause massive crop and financial losses in the absence of adequate management tools, as well as significant psychological stress for farmers and their families.”
The APVMA’s approval of an emergency use permit follows work by GPA, Grain Producers SA, CSIRO and the Grains Research and Development Corporation, after GPA’s previous ZnP50 emergency use permit expired at the end of 2023.
Under the conditions of the emergency use permit, ZnP50 can be accessed and used until December 15, 2026.
Grain producers will also need to complete a short online training course and meet obligations around reporting baiting details to meet APVMA compliance requirements.
For more information about the emergency use permit and the GPA mouse bait training course, visit grainproducers.com.au/mouse-control
