Bee threat: from emergency to management

Agriculture Victoria has announced a management approach to the current Varroa mite threat.

Following a National Management Group meeting involving industry and government bodies on September 19, Agriculture Victoria will transition its emergency response to a transition to management phase for Varroa mite.

Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said the NSW Varroa mite outbreak is no longer technically feasible to eradicate, despite sustained efforts by government and industry.

“Victoria remains free of Varroa mite, and under the Transition to Management program the focus will be on slowing the spread of Varroa and ensuring our industries are prepared and supported for its arrival,” she said.

“The Transition to Management model will support business continuity minimising the impact of varroa on our beekeepers and pollination-dependent industries.

“Surveillance of varroa and keeping track of the movement of bees and beekeeping equipment via our permit system will continue to help us maintain a Varroa-free status in Victoria while we work with industry to adapt to the new model.”

Beekeepers must continue to record any bee movements, regularly test bees for varroa and follow the requirements of the Control Area Order and any permits, she said.

The pause on processing permit applications from NSW will remain in place for an interim period while applications for permits for movements from all other jurisdictions into Victoria will continue to be processed.

Varroa mite is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood.

It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses. Varroa mite does not affect native bees.

For more information on varroa mite requirements, reporting and permit applications, go to: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.

Any suspected cases of Varroa should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.