Beekeepers fear doomsday scenario over ‘mitey’ problem
Eradicating bee-killing varroa mites in Australia is likely to be impossible after the latest infestation.
Hopes of eradicating bee-killing varroa mite in Australia appear to be doomed, with the discovery of the parasite in the agricultural Sunraysia region on the NSW-Victoria border.
Detection of the mite in hives at Euroley in the NSW Riverina and in Euston, on the Murray River, has created a doomsday scenario for authorities, with tens of thousands of hives from across the country moving through agricultural regions in recent weeks for the annual crop pollination.
The mite was first found in Australia in June last year but was believed to have been contained mostly to the NSW mid-north coast region 840km away until Thursday, when the NSW Department of Primary Industries revealed the new infestations.
NSW DPI chief plant protection officer Shane Hetherington said the department had urgently traced the movement of hives from the Kempsey region, resulting in the new detection.
“As a result of the recent detection of varroa mite at Kempsey and the fact many beekeepers had prior to the detection moved hives for both almond and canola pollination, NSW DPI prioritised tracing and then testing of hives moved out of that area,” Mr Hetherington said. “The new detection at Euston has clear links to an infested premises in the Kempsey area, which we’ve been able to track through the movement declaration process.
“We are continuing investigations into the link for the Euston hives, although they also travelled from the Kempsey region.
“Tracing and testing hives moved from the Kempsey region remains NSW DPI top priority, to ensure we can get in front of any further spread.”
Varroa mites kill bees by eating their body tissue and have devastated beekeeping industries around the world.
It has ongoing consequences for farmers who rely on bees for pollination of their crops.
Eradication zones have been set up around the new infection sites, preventing movement of hives into or outside of the zones.
Bees within the eradication zone are to be euthanized.
Crop Pollination Association of Australia president Steve Fuller said detection in the cropping regions during pollination season meant it was possible tens of thousands of hives had been exposed.
Some hives have since returned to home states, meaning it is almost impossible to eradicate the mite, as previously hoped.
“It’s the worst place we could have it,” Mr Fuller said. “You’re talking tens of thousands of hives in those areas.”
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