The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC), Primary Industries & Resources SA (PIRSA), local councils, farmers and commercial contract sprayers are preparing to minimise the impact of a significant outbreak of locusts predicted in spring.

The outbreak is expected to be at least as large as previous major outbreaks.

To minimise the impact of the locusts on agriculture, an integrated and co-ordinated control campaign is being organised. Currently, the most effective way to reduce the locust population is through the use of insecticides.

PIRSA has decided to use the insecticides fenitrothion and fipronil, to help control the locusts, which are recommended for use by the APLC and are used throughout Australia.

Every effort will be made to ensure that residents are not exposed to the insecticides during the campaign. Locust campaigns have been regularly and safely conducted in the past. Those applying the insecticides have been trained to protect the safety of the public and of themselves.

The application of fenitrothion and fipronil is governed by strict control regimes including buffer zones around residences and sensitive areas, such as waterways and public water supply dams. Fipronil will not be used near populated areas and will only be employed in northern pastoral areas of the State.

A training program has been undertaken in the safe and responsible use of these chemicals. The training covers safe preparation and use, disposal of containers, chemical rates, buffer zones and other label requirements.

Commercial and local council sprayers, who are licensed by the SA Department of Health, will combine with farmers to undertake the control program, which includes both aerial and ground spraying.

Farmers will also use other common insecticides to help control locusts on their properties. These chemicals, as well as fenitrothion and fipronil, have been approved by the National Registration Authority (NRA) for the control of locusts.

Fenitrothion is an organophosphate insecticide that is regularly used to protect stored grain from insect damage and to control insects in a range of crops and pastures. It can also be found in a home garden fogger product to control mosquitoes, moths and flies in outdoor living areas.

According to PIRSA, fenitrothion will be used in farming country.

The toxicity of a one-off high dose exposure to chemicals is categorised according to a scale of low, moderate and high. Fenitrothion is regarded as having moderate toxicity and principally affects the nervous system.

Fenitrothion has low eye and skin irritancy. Recent scientific data show that fenitrothion does not pose a risk of cancer.

Provided that people preparing and applying the spray do so according to label requirements, the chemical can be applied safely without risk to the health of the operator or the nearby public.

Scientific studies have shown that fenitrothion does not affect the developing foetus.

These studies have shown that it does not cause birth defects or affect the outcomes of pregnancy (i.e. miscarriage or stillborn babies). Fenitrothion does not affect the reproductive system.

It is not necessary for pregnant women to evacuate areas that are being sprayed.

Birth defects occur in one to five percent of pregnancies without a known cause. If a pregnant woman is particularly concerned about being in a spray area, she should consult with her doctor.

There is currently no evidence to indicate whether or not children have a different sensitivity than adults to fenitrothion.

Due to the nature of locust plagues, it is recommended that attempts not be made to apply chemicals on gardens if infestation occurs. Attempts to poison swarming locusts directly or through insecticide treatment of yards or plants will not be effective, and may increase the risk of exposure of the person to insecticides.

Fenitrothion is rapidly broken down in animals. Over 85% is excreted as breakdown products in the urine within four days. Therefore, it will not accumulate in meat or eggs. Meat from animals exposed to the insecticide may be eaten after a withholding period of 14 days. Similarly eggs laid by poultry exposed to the insecticide should contain no detectable insecticide after one week.

Any home-grown fruit or vegetables suspected of having been exposed to fenitrothion should not be consumed for 14 days.