CANBERRA: Agricultural authorities in Australia are grappling with what experts describe as one of the most severe mouse infestations in memory, as swathes of cropland in New South Wales and Queensland report population explosions of the rodents. The outbreak, which began in late 2023, has intensified, with grain silos, fields, and even residential areas overrun. In response, the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency has shared a suite of control methods, focusing on integrated pest management.
The plague has devastated cereal crops, particularly winter wheat and barley, with yield losses estimated at up to 50 per cent in some districts. Farmers report damage to machinery as mice gnaw through wiring, and public health officials note a rise in rodent-borne disease risks. The Australian government has approved emergency use of the rodenticide zinc phosphide, but critics question its long-term efficacy and environmental impact.
UK experts recommend a multi-pronged approach: early detection through monitoring grids, habitat disruption by removing stubble and debris, and targeted chemical application only where thresholds are crossed. Biological controls, such as encouraging natural predators including kestrels and barn owls, are also advised. However, the sheer scale of the current outbreak in Australia’s eastern grain belt limits the effectiveness of such methods, and extreme weather patterns – first drought, then heavy rains – have created ideal breeding conditions.
The crisis has implications for Australia’s agricultural exports, particularly to East Asia, where shipments of wheat and barley may be delayed or reduced. The Reserve Bank of Australia has flagged potential upward pressure on food prices. Compounding the problem, some farmers have reported secondary infestations of snakes attracted by the abundant prey.
UK officials stress that coordination between government agencies and farmers is essential. In a statement, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: ‘The situation in Australia underscores the need for robust surveillance and rapid response mechanisms. We recommend a national strategy that aligns with international best practice.’
The infestation shows no sign of abating, with forecasting models predicting continued high populations through the southern winter. For now, Australian farmers are left to salvage what they can while adopting the hard-won lessons from Britain’s own history of rodent outbreaks.
