NSW: Mice plague threatens northern NSW

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2004
NSW: Mice plague threatens northern NSW

Farmers are being warned by the New South Wales Government about the possibility of
a mouse plague in the state's north.

Farmers have reported increased mice activity in the Moree and Northern Slopes areas,
with some saying mice numbers have hit a five-year high.

The state government says warm weather and an abundance of ground feed are being blamed
for the high numbers of mice.

They already have reportedly damaged late sunflower crops in the north-west region.

Member for Murray Darling, PETER BLACK, says farmers should monitor mouse populations
on their properties and be aware there was strict criteria for carrying out chemical controls
of the pest.

Rural Lands Protections Boards have almost 60,000 kilograms of mouse bait to distribute
to farmers in the north-west.

AAP RTV kd/wz

KEYWORD: PLAGUE (SYDNEY)

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