Residents of Morawa, about 370 kilometres north of Perth, are dealing with what local leaders describe as the worst mouse plague in the town’s history. The infestation has left streets littered with dead and dying mice, while rodents have invaded homes, vehicles, schools, sheds and cropping paddocks, creating widespread disruption and growing public health concerns. Karen Chappel said the scale of the outbreak was “gravely concerning,” warning that the large number of decomposing carcasses could increase the risk of disease transmission. The Shire of Morawa has supported calls from the grains industry for emergency approval of stronger mouse baits to help farmers and residents control the outbreak. Local authorities and agricultural groups are urging state and federal governments to provide immediate support to contain the infestation and reduce its impact on the community and surrounding farming areas.