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Mouse Plague Threatens WA Wheatbelt, Risks Grain Export Losses

5/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The federal government has flagged a mouse infestation in Western Australia’s wheatbelt as a threat to grain supplies.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the plague is affecting farms in Western Australia.
Grain growers warned the rodents could cause significant crop losses and urged stronger rodenticide.
Australia, the world’s fourth-largest wheat exporter, last faced a similar plague in 1993 that destroyed thousands of hectares.

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Story summary

The federal government has flagged a mouse infestation in Western Australia’s wheatbelt as a threat to grain supplies.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the plague is affecting farms in Western Australia.
Grain growers warned the rodents could cause significant crop losses and urged stronger rodenticide.
Australia, the world’s fourth-largest wheat exporter, last faced a similar plague in 1993 that destroyed thousands of hectares.