A school in Morawa has been forced to shut until further notice, sending students home immediately after the incorrect mouse bait was used on its campus.
The WA College of Agriculture Morawa principal reportedly sent a letter to parents and staff advising them that the bait, MouseOff, had been used and a deep clean needed to take place.
MouseOff is the commercial name for a zinc phosphide bait, which is a schedule 7 poison, and because of its toxicity, is not allowed to be used in residential areas or enclosed environments.
The college is currently closed due to the management of the mouse infestation and to ensure chemicals are dealt with accordingly.
The shire of Morawa has been suffering from an intense mouse plague that is causing havoc to farmers, houses and businesses in the town.
Director of Education, Mid West, Lisa Criddle said: “As a precaution, the Western Australian College of Agriculture – Morawa is currently closed due to the management of a mouse infestation.”
“The department is ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff by having the Department of Health undertake a thorough deep clean of all affected areas at the school.
“Arrangements were made for students remaining in Morawa to attend Morawa District High School during the closure,” Ms Criddle said.
The principal’s letter reportedly confirmed that the school was closed on Wednesday, May 20. The reopening still remains unclear.
“The department is working with relevant authorities to ensure a safe environment at the college and welcome students back as soon as possible,” Ms Criddle said.
A WA Health spokesperson said the Department of Health was providing advice to the Department of Education regarding the use of mouse baits at the WA College of Agriculture Morawa.
“Based on information so far, the risk to staff and students at the school is low and we are continuing to work with education staff to provide support,” the spokesperson said.
The college has around 50 students between years 10 to 12 and is on a 3000-hectare property, including a working farm and campus, where students learn practical skills for farming.
The shire of Morawa have updated their mice disposal according to the Department of Health and urge people to properly dispose of dead mice by placing them in a bag or wrapping them in newspaper before placing them in the red lid rubbish bin, before washing your hands.
Locals have also been told to wear gloves, masks, protective clothing and closed in shoes when handling dead or dying mice.
The regulatory authority, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, on Monday gave the green light to emergency permits for the use of a higher-strength zinc phosphide bait to help farmers cope with the plague.
Farmers have been waiting for months for a decision, with stakeholders criticising the APVMA for taking so long, during which time the explosion in mice numbers have caused significant damage.