Farmers prepare for terrible mice plague

SYDNEY (AAP) - 27 Sept - Farmers are preparing for the worst mouse plague "in living memory" over the spring and summer months, Australia's peak grains body says.
It's prompted the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to hold an emergency information session for farmers on how to deal with the crisis emerging in south-eastern Australia.
Farmers will be able to log on and ask questions of the expert panel, which includes GRDC representatives and the regulator that issues mouse control permits, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
The broadcast kicks off on Wednesday at 8pm (AEST).
"Australia is likely to experience the worst mouse plague in living memory by late spring-summer 2011/12, based on state government reports," the GRDC said in a statement on Tuesday.
The mouse population was expected to decline over winter, but rain-damaged crops may have provided a untimely boost to their numbers.
The GRDC has begun new research projects in an effort to stem the damage, looking at ways to improve baiting methods but also to reduce red tape for farmers employing baiting methods.
"The research will take up to 12 months to complete and the outcome will be subject to an APVMA review," GRDC crop protection manager Rohan Rainbow said.
It means it won't help with this season's plague, but could benefit the entire industry down the track.
To view the live broadcast, visit http://vioca.st/GRDC_Mouse_Control_Broadcast
AAP cj/klm/mo