Fears of new mouse plague as crops damaged across NSW

Farmers are on the lookout for increased mouse activity in New South Wales, with fears a repeat of the devastating 2021 plague could be on the cards.

There have been reports of growing damage to crops and fodder across the state, sparking a warning from the NSW Farmers Association.

"Members are telling me they're seeing mice again all the way from Queensland down to the Victorian border and out west towards Adelaide," president Xavier Martin said.

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"We need everyone to keep an eye out for mice, in particular use their chew cards, and report any activity to authorities.

"It's important to stay on top of this issue so we can avoid a repeat of the 2021 mouse plague, so please if you see something, say something."

During the 2021 plague, mice are estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage to the state's crops.

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CSIRO researchers alongside the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) conducted a study in 2021 which found the baiting measures in place were inadequate to control a plague.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority then moved to approve an emergency use permit for double-strength zinc phosphide bait at 50 grams per kilogram, which remains the preferred mice baiting option for farmers across the country.

Earlier this year, a rat plague swept through northern Queensland, devouring the state's sugarcane crop.

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