Toxic mouse bait closure of WA agricultural school during plague
Consensus Summary
A severe mouse plague in Morawa, Western Australia, has overwhelmed the town, forcing the closure of the Western Australian College of Agriculture after toxic zinc phosphide mouse bait (Mouse Off) was spread on its campus. The bait, approved only for grain paddocks, poses risks to humans due to its Schedule 7 poison classification and potential release of phosphine gas. Both sources confirm the school, housing around 50 students, is undergoing a deep clean, and students are temporarily relocated to Morawa District High School. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently approved an emergency permit for double-strength zinc phosphide bait to combat the plague, which has seen mice infest homes, businesses, and farmland. Health officials have downplayed immediate risks but are advising precautions. Residents describe the situation as dire, with mice invading living spaces and appliances, while farmers report record infestations of up to 8,000 mice per hectare.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa was closed after zinc phosphide mouse bait (Mouse Off) was spread on school grounds on May 20, 2026.
- Zinc phosphide is a Schedule 7 poison that can release phosphine gas when wet, posing risks to humans.
- The school has about 50 students in years 10, 11, and 12, and includes a 3,000-hectare working farm.
- The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) conditionally approved an emergency permit for double-strength zinc phosphide mouse bait (ZP50) this week (May 2026).
- Morawa, 370 km north of Perth, is experiencing a severe mouse plague with rodents invading homes, businesses, and paddocks.
- The Department of Health stated the risk to staff and students at the school is low based on current information.
- A deep clean of the school is underway, and students are temporarily attending Morawa District High School.
- MouseOff contains zinc phosphide and bromadiolone, both highly toxic to humans.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The school principal confirmed Mouse Off (zinc phosphide bait) was used during mouse infestation management.
- Horses were moved to agistment off-site due to the closure.
- The APVMA does not approve zinc phosphide for use in enclosed environments due to phosphine gas risks.
- WA Health officials visited Morawa after concerns about dead/dying rodents potentially causing a health outbreak.
- Farmers reported up to 8,000 mice per hectare in some paddocks.
- AgSafe warned in 2021 of hospitalizations in NSW from improper use of zinc phosphide baits near ventilation systems.
- Morawa Shire President Karen Chappell described the mouse plague as horrid, comparing it to COVID-19 in terms of hygiene concerns.
- Residents reported mice in beds, ovens, cars, and household appliances like dryers and washing machines.
- The APVMA’s Scott Hansen emphasized that the emergency permit was granted after careful assessment to protect farmers, communities, and the environment.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 states the school is 370 km north of Perth, while Article 2 says it is 360 km north of Perth.
- Article 1 mentions the school closure began on May 20, 2026, but does not specify the exact date of the bait application, while Article 2 does not provide a specific closure date.
Source Articles
Toxic bait spread closes school in mouse-plagued Morawa
Students of the Western Australian School of Agriculture in Morawa were sent home and the school shut after toxic mouse bait intended for paddocks was spread on site.
Aussie school closes over gross bait blunder
A rural Aussie school has closed for deep cleaning after the wrong bait was used to combat a devastating pest plague which has been crippling farming regions.