Mouse plague poisoning could lead to tragic death of native wildlife

The New South Wales Government has requested an emergency permit to roll out huge quantities of bromadiolone in agricultural areas to combat the current mouse plague. Such a roll out will have disasterous consquences for our native birds and other wildlife.

Bromadiolone is known as a second-generation anticoagulant and kills animals by causing internal bleeding. It does not kill immediately or break down after it is ingested, meaning mice who have eaten it can be caught and eaten by other animals. Studies in Australia have found rodenticide in dead birds of prey including Boobook owls and Wedge-tailed Eagles. In fact second-generation rodenticides have been detected in 31 different native bird species.

Obviously measures need to be taken to combat the mouse plague and support regional communities, but there are other, less harmful chemicals available. In particular, the APVMA has already permitted the use of double strength zinc phosphide, a poison that will kill mice quickly, but also dissipate quickly as well. The birds (and other wildlife) that will be killed by the bromadiolone are natural predators of rodents. Removing them from the ecosystem will only serve to make future plagues more damaging.

We’re urgently calling on the APVMA to decline the NSW Government’s request.

Sign our petition at: https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison#protectourbirds

 

What else can you do around your own home? 

Make your house and garden less friendly for rodents:

  • seal potential roof/wall cavity access points that rodents might be using

  • pick up any fallen fruit,

  • ensure excess pet food isn’t accessible,

  • rodent-proof chook pens and aviaries,

  • replace rat-friendly palms with owl-friendly natives, and

  • tidy up garden waste and limit access to compost heaps

Encourage native predators:

  • plant native trees, and

  • install nest boxes for owls to breed in.

Reduce dependence on poison baits:

  • consider other, non-poison pest control, like snap traps,

  • only put out baits when you actually need to,

  • read the labels on any poisons you buy and make the change to first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) or other alternatives. Look for active ingredients like Warfarin and Coumatetralyl or natural constituents like Sodium Chloride, and

  • leave second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on the shelf.

 

Check out https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison for more resources

 and   @birdsinbackyards
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