Mice on the move: Rural Aid stands ready to support impacted farmers
Leading rural charity Rural Aid is encouraging farmers across South Australia and Western Australia to seek support as worsening mouse activity threatens crops, livestock feed, and farm infrastructure.
Recent forecasts from the CSIRO indicate high mice populations across southern South Australia, moderate levels in south-west Western Australia, and lower – but still present – activity across parts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The warning follows the devastating 2020–2021 mouse plague in eastern Australia, which caused an estimated $1 billion in damage.
Mice infestations can have severe impacts on farming operations, including consuming newly planted seeds, destroying emerging crops, contaminating livestock feed, and damaging machinery, vehicles, and household wiring.
With conditions expected to remain challenging, Rural Aid is reminding primary producers that support is available and encouraging those affected to get in touch early.
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the emerging situation is deeply concerning.
“Mouse activity of this scale can escalate quickly and place enormous pressure on farming families,” Mr Warlters said. “We’ve seen firsthand the destruction these plagues can cause. We want farmers to know they’re not alone – support is available, and we encourage anyone impacted to reach out as soon as possible.”
Rural Aid provides a broad range of services at no cost to farmers, including:
- Financial assistance for immediate or unexpected expenses
- Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
- Hay deliveries for livestock during challenging periods
- Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
- Volunteer support through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs to assist with on-ground needs
Assistance is available now for farmers. Call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. We’re here to help.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au