A significant mouse infestation has struck Morawa, resulting in rodents infiltrating homes, businesses, and agricultural lands.
Local leaders have highlighted growing health concerns and are urgently seeking government assistance to tackle the situation.
The Morawa Shire has supported appeals from the agricultural sector for farmers to gain access to more potent emergency mouse control products.
The president of the shire in this regional area of Western Australia has called for immediate action to mitigate what is being described as the worst mouse outbreak on record.
Located approximately 370 kilometers north of Perth, Morawa’s main thoroughfare is currently strewn with deceased and dying mice.
Residents and business owners are contending with the unpleasant odor of decomposing mice mixed with air fresheners and scented candles.
According to Karen Chappel, the shire president, the community has been besieged by a relentless influx of mice for several months, a situation she characterized as “deeply worrying.”
“Mice are invading our homes, vehicles, sheds, and even schools. They are virtually everywhere,” she stated. “I am concerned that the numerous decaying mouse bodies around could spread diseases.”
Chappel noted that while residents are maintaining cleanliness and attempting to control the mouse population through baiting and trapping, the situation remains unmanageable.
The outbreak is not limited to homes; schools and health facilities are also severely impacted. Chappel expressed concern over children playing in contaminated environments.
“I’ve reported this issue to various government officials and the chief health officer,” she mentioned. “I believe they are starting to recognize that this is a serious problem and not just complaints.”
Residents have conveyed to ABC that schools and the local health service are infested with mice.
In response, the state government issued a statement indicating that the Department of Education is assisting Morawa District High School and Morawa Agricultural College to prioritize the health and safety of staff and students during this disruption.
“The schools have increased their cleaning regimens and are advised to manage waste and maintain tidy gardens,” the statement noted. “The Morawa Health Service remains operational and has implemented measures, including safe baiting and enhanced cleaning protocols.”
The town’s two grocery stores have been severely affected by the infestation. Aaron Chadwick, the manager of the local IGA, revealed that he has had to discard $20,000 worth of food items that were either damaged by mice or used for nesting.
“Customers often comment on the odor in the store. We do our best to mask it with air fresheners, but the smell returns quickly,” he recounted. He has even hired extra staff to monitor products for mouse activity and manage the cleanup of deceased rodents.
Meanwhile, Peter Thornton, owner of Morawa Traders, arrives early each day to check for dead mice and empty traps, spending his free time addressing the rodent problem.
This ongoing battle has taken a toll on him. “I sometimes see mice crawling up the shelves while serving customers,” he lamented. “Everyone is affected; the stories I’ve heard are truly distressing. We clean daily to maintain order.”
On local farms, crops are suffering as well. Robert Mitchell, a grain farmer near Morawa, reported that this year, for the first time, his family has baited their entire property, with some fields requiring multiple applications of bait.
This adds significant costs for farmers already grappling with high fuel and fertilizer prices. “We estimate the baiting will cost between $9 to $10 per hectare, in addition to application expenses,” Mitchell noted.
Damian Ryan, a retired farmer, also reported a serious mouse problem on his property, where he traps hundreds daily. “I’ve never witnessed a mouse infestation of this scale,” he said. “As food sources dwindle, more mice invade in search of sustenance. The absence of sheep to consume leftover grain from harvests has contributed to this issue.”
The grains industry, represented by Grain Producers Australia (GPA), is advocating for the national chemical regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), to approve an emergency permit for stronger mouse bait.
The APVMA confirmed in a joint statement that it is reviewing the bait permit application submitted by GPA. “We are collaborating closely with GPA, GRDC, and CSIRO to expedite the permit assessment for a 50/kg zinc phosphide mouse bait to manage these infestation conditions,” the statement stated. “Before any permit is granted, the APVMA must ensure that the proposed use is safe for people, the environment, and trade. These evaluations are currently in progress.”
