Australia is concerned about the largest field mouse infestation since 1993

The Australian government said on Saturday it was concerned about the mouse infestation and would continue to work with industry to limit the impact of the rodents on the food supply.

“Obviously we are concerned about the mouse situation, particularly in Western Australia,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a televised address from Sydney.

Local media reported that mice are a persistent problem in Australia’s grain-growing regions, with the infestation infesting farms in the wheat belt of Western Australia. The situation prompted grain producers to warn of crop losses in April and call for access to more potent mouse poison.

The country’s energy minister also said the centre-left government was continuing to work hard with industry to reduce the impact of the plague on the domestic and overseas food supply. The mouse infestation has already become a problem for Australia’s agriculture, industry and government.

Australia, the world’s fourth-largest wheat exporter, has suffered its worst rodent problem since 1993. The mice have destroyed thousands of hectares of crops, threatening the supply of feed for livestock, the country’s science agency said.

Tags: Australia