Ensure safety when controlling mice

As mice numbers continue to build in the Riverina and across NSW, veterinarians are warning of serious health risks for humans coming into contact with rodent infestations. 

Amanda Lee, Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority district vet, says farmers need to be particularly vigilant to protect themselves as they regularly come into contact with environments contaminated with mouse urine.

"Riverina LHPA rangers have been working with landholders to assist them to control the rising mice population, by providing information on early detection, crop perimeter bait materials, advice and instruction on ‘bait card’ monitoring techniques, and assisting with designing of bait stations for on-farm situations," she said.

"We urge landholders to take appropriate precautions when undertaking control activities associated with mice.

"The main risk for farmers is contracting Leptospirosis, a bacterium found in infected animal urine and animal tissues.

"The Leptospira bacteria gain entry to the body through cuts and abrasions and occasionally through the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes.

"Soil, mud or water that has been contaminated with rodent urine can be the source of infection."

NSW Health recently issued a warning about the threats rodent infestations pose to residents.

According to NSW Health, there are a number of ways to prevent leptospirosis during the current mouse infestation:

• Cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings, especially before coming into contact with soil, mud or water that may be contaminated with mouse urine.
• Wear footwear outdoors, especially when walking in mud or moist soil.
• Wear gloves when removing dead mice and when gardening, to protect your hands
• Control rodents by cleaning up rubbish and removing food sources that are close to housing.
• Wash hands with soap, as Leptospira bacteria is quickly killed by soap, disinfectants and drying.

Vaccines are available to prevent leptospirosis in animals (cattle, pigs and dogs) but vaccinated animals are still susceptible to other strains of the organism that are not covered by the vaccine.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378