What is MOUSER?
MOUSER is an interactive training and resource package
that provides decision support for the management of mouse
plagues in Australia. This knowledge-management software has
been developed to run from a CD-ROM on personal computers.
The software provides access to the latest expert knowledge
on the biology and management of mouse plagues. It includes
details on the population dynamics and ecology of the house
mouse, Mus domesticus, in grain-growing regions and general
information on the impacts of mouse plagues in Australia.
Currently such information is available in disparate publications,
many of which are not readily accessible by farmers.
An example of a screen from MOUSER showing
the contents
MOUSER is designed for use by farmers, farmer groups and
State Government Departments. MOUSER has been written using
web-based software so that users can link directly to web
pages for updates and for further information. It contains
the most recent information available for managing mice and
includes a comprehensive decision key, lots of information
and a range of videos showing how monitoring techniques and
control actions can be performed.
Mouse Control Simulator
Another feature is an economics model (Mouse Control Simulator), which can be used to compare the relative costs and benefits of different control techniques. The model is based on a gross margin for wheat for the Mallee region of northwestern Victoria, developed by CSIRO.
The main screen of the mouse control simulator
The results of the simulations provide a comparison of control with no control over a 12 month period. Graphs are used to show the effect on the response of the mouse population, gross margins, cost of control and wheat yields. Much of the data used to generate the economics model came from the Victorian Mallee, and so caution must be used when using the model in other agroecosystems.
An example of the output screen showing response of the mouse population with and without control over the 12 month period that the model was run
Purchasing MOUSER
How to obtain a copy of MOUSER Version 1.0
If you would like to purchase a copy of MOUSER Version 1.0, simply fill out the
order form (PDF 145Kb) and send it to:
Peter Brown
Community Ecology Group
CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
GPO Box 284
Canberra ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 2 6242 1562
Fax: +61 2 6242 1505
Email: Peter.Brown@csiro.au
Version 1.0 costs AUD$19.95 plus $9.95 postage and handling (GST included)
System Requirements
- Computer/Processor: Pentium or higher processor
- Operating System: Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0 (service Pack 3 or higher)
- Memory: 16 MB of RAM (Windows 95/98), or 32 MB of RAM (Windows NT)
- Hard Drive Space: Mouser, up to 58MB required for installation; Internet Explorer 5.0, 40MB required for installation; Adobe Acrobat Reader, 4.0 20 MB required for installation
- Monitor: Colour monitor capable of displaying 'high' colour (256 colour monitors will display a poorer quality image), minimum screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels required
- CD-ROM Drive
- Modem & Internet connection (optional)
Development of MOUSER
MOUSER Version 1.0 was developed by CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and the Centre for Pest Information Technology and Transfer (The University of Queensland) and was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust (through the Bureau of Rural Sciences) and CSIRO. The mouse control simulator was developed in collaboration with the Centre for Agricultural and Regional Economics. The CD was launched in October 2001.
Related Pages:
>> Rodent News
>> Australian Rodent Research Activities
>> Other software applications from CSE
>> Skills and Expertise
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