Mouse plague threatens crops of farmers

Bauernverband fears considerable crop damage

04/18/2013

The German Farmers Association warns of massive crop losses due to a field mouse plague. Experts in the federal states of Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Hesse and Saxony would have one „critical extent of field mouse populations“ measured, as the Thuringian farmers' president Helmut Gumpert said on Thursday in Berlin. In some cases even 50 to 60 mouse holes per square meter were determined.

Over 16 million euros damage possible
Already last year, a mouse plague in the district of Sömmerda in Thuringia had caused crop damage amounting to 80,000 tons of grain. According to the association, damage of around 16 million euros was incurred. Even this amount could still be covered this year, according to Gumpert. „At present, it can not be ruled out that the damage will increase this year.“

He'll always give field mice, that's natural, said the association president. Indeed „not to that extent“. The competent authorities should „if necessary, to allow the use of effective means“. In all circumstances, spreading to other areas must be prevented. (Sb)

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