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Teltow (dpa / bb) - Last year, Brandenburg was spared from a field mouse plague such as in Saxony-Anhalt - this year, however, according to the assessment of the state farmers' association, there could be a "sharp" increase in the number of rodents.

A mouse plague is also possible in Brandenburg at any time, thanks to the thick blanket of snow in winter, the animals got through the cold season well, the association said on Tuesday.

The state farmers' association called on farmers to monitor the development of the field mouse population in their fields and pastures and to report any abnormalities to the plant protection service.

If the field mice pose a bigger problem, a so-called bait-laying machine must be used.

However, the use must first be approved, explained LBV President Henrik Wendorff.

"There shouldn't be any hesitation like the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF)," he warned.

Field mice occurring in large numbers can cause great damage in agriculture.

According to the state office for rural development, agriculture and land consolidation in Brandenburg, the problem with field mice is significantly less severe this year than in Saxony-Anhalt, for example.

In some districts, including Teltow-Fläming, Oberhavel and Elbe-Ester, rodents are regionally limited to cultivation areas for winter grain, winter rape and perennial field fodder, it said.

A federal-state group set up specifically to fight field mice wanted to advise on suitable measures against the rodents at the beginning of May.

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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210330-99-32437 / 2