NSW: Farmers warned about locust plague

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2000
NSW: Farmers warned about locust plague

Farmers across New South Wales have been warned to prepare for the worst locust plague
in more than a decade.

Large numbers of the insects are expected to hit the Riverina area in particular next
week following a massive outbreak in western New South Wales.

NSW Agriculture executive director regulatory, GEOFF FILE, says this is the most serious
threat of a major plague occurring for 15 years.

Mr FILE says controlling the locusts has proved difficult because of the large bulk
of vegetation masking them.

Floodwaters have also limited control spraying.

He says the next week is expected to be critical as a change in weather moves through
and winds changed direction.

Landholders have been urged to report any locust activity to their local Rural Lands
Protection Board or the Australian Plague Locust Commission on 1800 635 962.

AAP RTV jw/wz/jn

KEYWORD: LOCUSTS (SYDNEY)

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