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Miscellaneous
The Australian Government expresses its deep concern over a widespread rat infestation affecting western regions, affirming its ongoing efforts in cooperation with the food industry sector to mitigate the crisis's repercussions on food supplies locally and internationally.
The Australian Government expresses its deep concern over a widespread rat infestation affecting western regions, affirming its ongoing efforts in cooperation with the food industry sector to mitigate the crisis's repercussions on food supplies locally and internationally.
Australian Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation, especially in Western Australia, which is one of the country's most important wheat production centers. Vast numbers of rats have invaded grain farms in the Wheatbelt region there, directly threatening crops.
The phenomenon of rat outbreaks is a recurring problem in Australian grain-growing regions, but it has returned this year with unprecedented intensity. Grain producers warned last April of potential crop losses, demanding permission to use stronger types of rat poisons to combat this increasing infestation and limit the damage.
The government continues to coordinate with the agricultural and industrial sectors to reduce the impact of rat spread on food supply chains, both within Australia and in global markets. Bowen described the situation as "very difficult" for farmers, industry, and the government alike, due to the difficulty of controlling it and its rapid spread.
Australia is considered the world's fourth largest wheat exporter, making this outbreak of global importance in the context of food security. The country experienced its worst rat outbreak in 1993, when rodents destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and attacked livestock, according to data from the Australian National Science Agency.
