Farmers, beware! A mouse invasion is brewing, threatening to wreak havoc on your harvest. But this time, it's not just a regular mouse problem. Scientists are warning of a potential pest population explosion, and the evidence is piling up.
The CSIRO's recent trapping efforts have uncovered a startling fact: there's a significantly higher number of pregnant female mice in major crop regions across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. This is not a drill! The Adelaide Plains and Wimmera regions are already seeing large mouse populations, and the Yorke and Eyre peninsulas are next on the watchlist.
Here's where it gets concerning: if the weather remains favorable, farmers could face a challenging autumn for crop planting. CSIRO research officer Steve Henry warns that while it's not yet a plague, the risk factors are aligning. And this is the part most people miss—the bumper crops that farmers are celebrating could be the very reason for a mouse population boom.
On a recent trip to the Adelaide Plains, Mr. Henry's team caught mice in 30% of their traps, a significant increase from the usual 2-10%. And here's the kicker—all the females were pregnant! The Wimmera region, northern New South Wales, and southern Queensland, with their abundant crops, are now hotspots for potential mouse infestations.
But why barley, you ask? Well, it's simple. High-yield barley crops often leave behind a substantial amount of grain and biomass, creating a mouse paradise. And these pests are cunning; they know when to strike. They pose the most significant threat in autumn when they can feast on freshly sown winter crops.
And here's the controversial part: a wet summer could allow mice to breed continuously, resulting in a massive population ready to devour the next crop in April. So, what's the solution? Farmers, it's time to get proactive! Assess the situation, and be prepared to take action.
Australia has faced this challenge before, with New South Wales experiencing a mouse plague from 2020 to 2021. The APVMA's emergency approval of double-strength bait proved effective, but that permit has since lapsed. Grain Producers Australia is now pushing for renewed approval, with farmer Andrew Weidemann advocating for the ZP50 product's effectiveness. He claims it's a game-changer, but is it the only solution?
Mr. Henry suggests that even the regular strength bait, ZP25, can be effective if food sources are limited. The key is to reduce available food, making the bait more attractive to mice. This means harvesting as cleanly as possible and using sheep to minimize background food sources.
The ability of mice to multiply rapidly is astonishing. With a breeding cycle of 19-21 days and up to 10 babies per litter, a small mouse population can quickly become an overwhelming infestation. Farmers, stay vigilant and be prepared to act!
What do you think? Is the threat of a mouse plague being overblown, or should farmers be on high alert? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Remember, your input is valuable in shaping the discussion around this potential agricultural crisis.
