The mouse plague in Morawa, Western Australia, is a dire situation that has captured the attention of locals and officials alike. This crisis, which has been described as the worst in the area's history, has left the streets and homes of Morawa strewn with dead and dying mice, creating an unsanitary and hazardous environment. The impact of this plague extends far beyond the streets, affecting schools, businesses, and farmers, and raising serious health and safety concerns. The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, with residents reporting mice in their homes, cars, sheds, and even at the school. The situation has become so dire that the local shire president, Karen Chappel, has appealed for urgent intervention, emphasizing the potential health risks posed by the rotting carcasses of the rodents.
One of the most striking aspects of this plague is the impact it has had on local businesses. The two grocery stores in town have been particularly hard-hit, with IGA manager Aaron Chadwick estimating that he has had to discard $20,000 worth of groceries that have been chewed or nested in by mice. The constant smell of decaying mice, mixed with air freshener and scented candles, has become a daily reality for the residents and business owners. Peter Thornton, the owner of Morawa Traders, has been forced to spend his spare time during the day removing mice from his shop, a task that has taken its toll on his health and well-being.
The plague has also had a devastating effect on local farmers. Robert Mitchell, a grain farmer outside the Morawa townsite, has had to bait his entire property for mice, with some paddocks requiring more than one application. The mice have been eating the seeds before they can grow, leading to significant financial losses and the need for re-seeding in some areas. Damian Ryan, a retired farmer, is also struggling with the influx of mice in his sheds, with hundreds of rodents being caught in his bucket traps every day.
The grains industry, through Grain Producers Australia (GPA), is lobbying the national chemical regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), to approve an emergency permit application for double-strength zinc phosphide mouse bait. The APVMA has confirmed that it is assessing the application, with the aim of fast-tracking consideration for a permit. However, the process is rigorous, with the authority needing to ensure that the proposed use is safe for people, the environment, and trade.
The situation in Morawa is a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise from a surge in rodent populations. The impact on local businesses, farmers, and residents has been profound, and the need for urgent action is clear. The APVMA's assessment of the emergency permit application is a crucial step in addressing the crisis, but it is also a call for the community to come together and find long-term solutions to prevent such disasters in the future. The plague in Morawa is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our communities and the importance of collective action in the face of environmental challenges.
