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Australian plague locust information now available
South Perth, Western Australia
September 6, 2004

Comprehensive information on this year’s expected locust outbreak in the central and southern Wheatbelt is now available from the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

The Australian Plague Locust Bulletin and website will harnesses all the latest information about the pest and control options.

Surveys by the Department indicate there may be a moderate to severe locust outbreak this spring and summer, with the largest number of locusts expected in the shires of Mukinbudin, Westonia and to the north of the Yilgarn (Southern Cross) and Mount Marshall (Bencubbin).

Department plant pest manager Damian Collopy said the Australian Plague Locust Bulletin provided a useful guide to affected landholders and householders to manage the locust outbreak.

“A co-ordinated program is being undertaken by the Department to reduce the formation of large, high density swarms, which, if left unchecked, can fly large distances and cause widespread damage,” Mr Collopy said.

“However, landholders will need to control hoppers and flying locusts that cause damage on their properties.”

The Bulletin includes several pictures to help identify the Australian Plague Locust, a graphic showing their lifecycle and when eggs are expected to hatch, as well as registered control options.

The website contains the Bulletin information and frequently asked questions. Once the monitoring commences, hatching location maps will be updated on a daily basis.

The Department will work with landholders to monitor hatchings from mid September through to October to help identify Priority Target Zones. These zones are used to help prepare detailed property surveys to target high risk areas for control.

“The Agriculture Protection Board and the Department will supplement control measures by individual landholders to attack the worst affected areas and reduce the potential for locusts to form damaging swarms,” Mr Collopy said.

“This is expected to be carried out between mid-October and mid to late November.”

Copies of the Australian Plague Locust Bulletin are available from Department of Agriculture offices or from the website www.agric.wa.gov.au/locusts

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