GRDC Partnership

A three-phase project to increase awareness of mice in crops and methods to combat them successfully using zinc phosphide technology has been developed by Animal Control Technologies with the support of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Managing Director Dr Linton Staples said the project aims to instil a proactive approach to mouse control. He said:

The key to the project is to deliver a better understanding of the need for early recognition and treatment of emerging problems rather than a late reaction to well developed plagues.

Through a range of technical materials and seminars the project will develop a better understanding of the role zinc phosphide plays as a broadacre rodenticide for the control of mice in crops.

Mouse Management Booklet

A new 32-page MOUSEOFF^® ZP Technical Booklet covers all aspects of mouse risk, damage identification and rodent management. Dr Staples explained that as with most ACTA advisory materials, the booklet was formally reviewed by a reference panel of 22 experts on in-crop mouse problems from across Australia before the final version was released.

We thank the team of government and private sector experts who contributed their knowledge and experience to the development of this important resource.

The MOUSEOFF^® ZP technical booklet has collated relevant information about mice in Australian agricultural regions.

The booklet describes the nature and scale of mouse problems in Australia, facts about mouse biology and Integrated Pest Management strategies to minimise risks of mouse infestation.

In relation to mice in crops, the booklet contains an excellent outline of assessing mouse activity in crops and the risk to crop yields. It also provides information about using MOUSEOFF^® Zinc Phosphide Bait, environmental considerations, restraints and safety precautions.

MOUSEOFF^® Video & DVD

A new video and DVD have also been developed to be used to train agronomists on 'best practice' mouse management and to compliment the MOUSEOFF^® ZP Technical Booklet.

The video and DVD production was coordinated by ACTA Research Technical Officer Ms Karen Pontin.

Karen explained that the modules cover many of the key elements about mice and their management.

The video runs for just under 30 minutes and contains modules about mouse problems in Australia, facts about mice, measures to prevent mice infestations, monitoring & assessing crop risk, tips for using MOUSEOFF^® ZP Bait and protecting the environment.

It is available free-of-charge in video or DVD format to all extension staff and agronomic advisors attending a training workshop.

Mouse Workshops

A major part of the GRDC partnership is the delivery of a series of seminars to 'improve knowledge on best practice use of zinc phosphide for in-crop mouse control'. The workshops commenced in 2003 and are being conducted in key grain growing areas.

Karen explained that each seminar is conducted with assistance from the local state pest management agency.

The workshop series will help disseminate information to those providing advice to grain growers.

It is focussed on providing knowledge of the mouse problem to agronomists and merchant advisors who can then pass on the appropriate information in a timely and professional manner to their clients.

In WA the seminars will be replaced by direct distribution of the DVD and booklet to interested individual grain growers.

The information materials and seminars are at no cost to participants thanks to the funding support from GRDC.

Other extension materials available include a PowerPoint presentation and fact sheets that can be used by agronomists and other farm advisors to present their own local farmer nights or seminars.

For more information about the seminars send an email to enquiries@animalcontrol.com.au with "Request mouse seminar information" in the subject line.

Animal Control Technologies