Bee vigilant!

Local beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant as concerns grow about the Varroa mite.

Restrictions are now in place to stop the movement of hives from New South Wales into Victoria. These restrictions have been put in place to prevent and control Varroa mite, as New South Wales respond to multiple detections near the Port of Newcastle.

Victoria’s Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer Stephen Dibley said the measures were necessary to keep Varroa mite out of Victoria and protect our beekeepers.

“Varroa mite is a serious threat to Australia’s bee population and horticulture industries that rely on pollination,” Dr Dibley said.

“The restrictions mean that no bees, hives or beekeeping equipment can be moved into Victoria from New South Wales without a permit. However, no permits will be granted while the NSW standstill is in place, to comply with NSW emergency orders.”

No cases of Varroa mite have been detected in Victoria but Agriculture Victoria is calling on anyone with bee hives to remain alert.

The department has encouraged beekeepers to inspect their hives by using the “drone uncapping method” and either the “sugar shake or alcohol wash methods”.

Instructions for these mite tests are available via videos and fact sheets on the beeaware.org.au website.

By completing the test as soon as possible, Agriculture Victoria said beekeepers were providing a level of confidence that the state was still Varroa free.

Any suspect detection should be reported immediately to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Test results (positive and negative) can be logged at bees.agriculture.vic.gov.au. Once logged in, submit your test results by clicking the “Enter Mite Results” button and follow prompts.

Dr Dibley said Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a serious, exotic parasite of adult European honeybees and their brood. It weakens and kills honeybee colonies and can also transmit honeybee viruses.

For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.