Mouse baiting has become a critical part of farming operations across Australia, particularly during the sowing period when newly planted seeds and young crops are at their most vulnerable. In some years, the problem escalates beyond routine management – with mouse populations exploding into plague proportions.
These outbreaks can devastate regional communities, forcing extended and urgent baiting efforts across broadacre farming zones.
As one of Australia’s few locally owned agricultural manufacturers, Imtrade CropScience has played a key role in helping farmers manage this challenge.
A research-driven company with a strong presence in rural supply chains, Imtrade is one of the registrants providing mouse control solutions to the Australian market.
“It’s always been a difficult one to forecast,” Imtrade managing director Dr Ross Rainbird says.
“We need to ensure product is available when growers need it most, and with mice capable of breeding rapidly, demand can spike with little warning.”
Rethinking the Standard: 25g vs 50g zinc phosphide
The years 2020 and 2021 were particularly severe, with high mouse numbers recorded across multiple states – especially in NSW and Queensland.
These seasons coincided with groundbreaking research conducted by CSIRO with investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
The laboratory studies found the then-standard 25 g/kg zincphosphide (ZnP)baits, although widely used and registered in Australia, lacked the appropriate concentration of toxin to consistently deliver effective control in field conditions.
In response, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued an Emergency Use Permit in April 2021, allowing several Australian registrants, including Imtrade, to manufacture and supply 50 g/kg ZnP bait.
This permit was initially valid through May 2022, and was later extended to December 2022.
Subsequent field testing by CSIRO revealed a 50 g/kg ZnP bait formulation significantly outperformed the existing standard, providing a more reliable mortality rate and faster results.
“We moved quickly,” Dr Rainbird explains.
“The strength of the research, combined with the positive feedback we were receiving from growers on the ground, gave us the confidence to switch 100 per cent of our production to the 50 g ZnP/kg formulation for the duration of the permit.”
Growers Still Want Certainty
Since the emergency use period ended, Imtrade has reverted to supplying the registered 25 g/kg ZnP bait, as no current permit or registration allows continued production of the higher concentration. However, demand for the 50g formulation has not disappeared.
“Growers want certainty,” Dr Rainbird says.
“When it comes to protecting crops from mice, there’s very little margin for error,” he says.
“The 50g bait gave them peace of mind – they knew it worked, and they could act quickly and confidently. That’s why we still get regular enquiries asking if it’s available.”
Looking Ahead
While recent seasons have seen lower mouse pressure, reducing the urgency for emergency measures, Imtrade remains committed to long-term solutions.
The company is actively working with the APVMA, GRDC, and CSIRO to pursue a full registration for the 50 g ZnP/kg bait.
Extensive residue and efficacy data have been generated through studies at Imtrade’s GLP-recognised laboratory, which will support the case for future approvals.
“We’re not taking our foot off the pedal,” Dr Rainbird adds.
“We’re doing the work now so we’re ready when pressure inevitably builds again. Watch this space.”
As Australia’s farmers face an unpredictable pest threat, Imtrade’s ongoing investment in innovation and local manufacturing is helping safeguard productivity, season after season.
To learn more about DeadMouse Zinc Phosphide Bait or the wide range of Imtrade crop science solutions, please contact our customer service team or visit the Imtrade website.
