Upper Austria farmers struggle with massive mouse plague

Agricultural businesses in Upper Austria are facing significant damage to grassland due to a widespread mouse plague involving both field mice and voles. The infestation is particularly problematic for livestock feed production.

Farmers report that voles are causing subsurface damage by eating grass roots up to half a meter deep, which prevents regrowth and creates brown patches in fields. This activity also loosens the soil, making mowing difficult and causing soil to contaminate livestock feed. In Kleinraming, farmer Sepp Kern noted that the depth of the voles' tunnels makes it difficult to manage the pests with mechanical equipment.

Markus Humer of the Chamber of Agriculture Upper Austria noted that while mouse populations can surge rapidly, they typically experience long-term collapses due to disease and inbreeding. To prepare for the spring, the Chamber recommends preventative measures such as installing raptor perches to encourage natural predators and avoiding leaving grass too high during winter, as tall grass provides cover and protection for the rodents.