The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has welcomed a regulatory decision to permit the use of high strength control measures to manage unprecedented mice levels in regional Western Australia.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority decision follows advocacy by the WA Government and industry to combat growing mice populations, particularly in the Mid West and Goldfields-Esperance areas.
Bait production is expected to ramp up quickly and Grain Producers Australia is coordinating an online training program to help accelerate program delivery.
DPIRD Primary Industries Development Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said restricted access to the high strength baits would be a valuable addition to support landholders’ control efforts.
“Mice control has been extremely challenging this season, which is particularly concerning now crops are emerging, and ZP50 baits will be another tool to help landholders to get on top of this issue at a crucial time,” she said.
The department is liaising with industry, scientists and regulators as a member of the National Mouse Group (NMG), hosted by CSIRO.
For more mice control information and to remain up to date with developments visit the Season 2026 webpages on the DPIRD website.
