July 24, 2026
Queensland producer group AgForce has welcomed the emergency permit approval by APVMA for the use of ZP50 mouse bait in broadacre cropping areas.
ZP50 is a double-strength zinc phosphide mouse bait which can only be used under strict conditions.
“This isn’t a product you can simply order in, and the time to understand the process is before you need it,” an AgForce spokesperson said.
“ZP50 is a Schedule 7 poison, so it’s only available to people authorised, those who are exempt from authorisation requirements, or licensed.
“Two conditions then govern where and when the bait can be used, and both must be met.
“First, your property must sit within an agro-ecological zone rated moderate or higher for mouse pressure.
“GRDC publishes these zones fortnightly on its Mouse Management website
“Second, your own pre-baiting monitoring at the treatment site must show an average of at least 20 squares eaten per chew card, or more than two active burrows per 100 square metres.
“Training is the next gate.
“You must complete the current Grain Producers Australia course before purchasing, and you’ll need to provide both a user declaration and your training certificate to the supplier.
“Then it must be used properly. PPE including a full-face respirator is required when opening and loading bait.
“Follow the wildlife and environment protection measures, and don’t bait where listed threatened birds or mammals have been observed.
“Read the full permit on the APVMA website before purchasing or applying.
“Keep records of every application. Any wildlife deaths or other adverse impacts must be reported to the APVMA.
“Suppliers can only supply users who meet the permit’s requirements and have their own reporting obligations.
“We encourage suppliers to keep across the fortnightly zone updates, as these determine where product can be sold.
“In short, there are three things to stay across: monitoring, so moderate or high activity is on the record; training, which you need before you can buy; and reporting, which is what keeps access open.
“We’re hearing reports of mouse activity in several regions across the State. Please be vigilant and check your paddocks for any signs of activity.
“If you’re seeing numbers building on or near your place, get in touch with an AgForce representative and let us know.
“Mice breed quietly in fallows and standing crops, and by the time the damage is obvious the window for effective baiting has often passed.
“Timely reporting helps the accuracy of the monitoring that underpins access.”
