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Mice plague prevention in Qld
28 Aug 2003
Some people are warning that a mouse plague is building up on the Darling Downs to rival that of 1995, although the Department of Natural Resources and Mines says that though the mouse problem is significant, the outbreaks are isolated and generally under control. But NR&M does caution vigilance among the farming community, especially in the lead-up to the mouse breeding season, which coincides with Winter crop harvesting and Summer planting.
The most endangered areas are Dalby, Cecil Plains and Jimbour, where some farmers have already reported significant economic losses. Animal Control Technologies says the mouse numbers are similar to 1994, when populations were growing prior to the 1995 plague.
However an NR&M rodent zoologist stated there was no concern about a plague at this stage, saying there were higher than normal population on isolated farms, but the problem is not endemic across the Darling Downs. But farmers need to be proactive in checking their crops. Telltale signs include damage to plant heads and nodes, and mouse burrows around crop edges and irrigation drains. Traps and bait cards can indicate the sizes of local populations.
Queensland Country Life, 28/8/03.
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