The LHIB Biosecurity team has now concluded the intensive monitoring and search period following the discovery of mouse chew marks on consignments delivered from Voyage B178 of the Island Trader. Evidence of rodent activity was identified in five separate boxes; each delivered to different residences on Lord Howe Island. The signs included five small mouse droppings and minor chewing— no live rodents were seen or detected. All affected consignments originated from the same supplier on the mainland.

What We've Done

Our Biosecurity team undertook an intensive response effort which included:

• 35 biosecurity detection dog targeted searches (over 25kms). 0 indications.
• Daily targeted checks of 60 monitoring stations.
• 8233 motion-activated images reviewed.

Daily searches were conducted on the Island Trader, the jetty, and all properties that received affected consignments. We are pleased to report that no evidence of mice was found on the Island Trader.

It’s important to note that a single mouse can potentially defecate 50–75 times per day, depending on the availability of food and other influences on normal behaviour. The limited signs discovered do not match what we would expect if a live mouse had been present during a 48hr transit to the island. 

In line with our rodent response protocols, we’ll carry out follow up checks during the week commencing 14 July.

Mainland Findings

The supplier has confirmed that their facility experienced elevated mouse activity due to recent extreme weather events in the Wauchope and Port Macquarie region. Our Biosecurity Officers have conducted two site visits to their premises, providing advice and equipment to bolster rodent control measures. On the second visit, chew marks were found on bait placed directly under the pallet where Lord Howe Island orders are prepared.

These findings strongly indicate that the rodent activity occurred on the mainland at the cargo source prior to shipping, and that any rodents within the cargo had departed before transport to the Birdon shed.

Ongoing Measures

To strengthen our biosecurity safeguards, we are:

1. Maintaining ongoing communication with the supplier to ensure risks are actively managed.
2. Reviewing and improving biosecurity detection dog search procedures at both Birdon and during island unloading.
3. Increasing live animal and scat scent training for our detection dogs.

What You Can Do

Please remain vigilant and report any signs of rodent activity, such as:

• Small, dark droppings
• Chewed packaging or food items
• Nesting materials (e.g., shredded paper or fabric)
• A strong, musky odour
• Sightings of live or dead rodents

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns, contact Darryl Birch, Team Leader Biosecurity via phone on (02) 6563 2066 (ext. 28) or email: [email protected].

We sincerely thank the property owners involved for their cooperation and understanding throughout our investigation.