Story perspectives

Farmers Face Mouse Infestation Ahead of Seeding Season

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

CSIRO's Steve Henry reports over 800 mice per hectare and up to 4,000 burrows per hectare.
In Western Australia and South Australia, grain growers face the threat as seeding approaches.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins acknowledged the added challenge for farmers already facing higher fuel and fertilizer costs due to the Iran war.
Experts recommend immediate action using higher doses of zinc phosphide baits to control the population before it escalates.

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Story summary

CSIRO's Steve Henry reports over 800 mice per hectare and up to 4,000 burrows per hectare.
In Western Australia and South Australia, grain growers face the threat as seeding approaches.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins acknowledged the added challenge for farmers already facing higher fuel and fertilizer costs due to the Iran war.
Experts recommend immediate action using higher doses of zinc phosphide baits to control the population before it escalates.