Varroa mite: Pest continues to spread as plan is formalised

As Varroa mite continues to spread throughout NSW, beekeepers are being kept in the dark about details of the national response plan.

A draft plan to manage Varroa mite is being closely guarded and leaving some industries in the dark, leading one farm leader to call for greater transparency before the plan is officially endorsed.

It comes as the mite continues to spread throughout NSW.

The national varroa mite response plan, which incorporates the transition from eradication to management of the pest, is being finalised by the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests.

Crop Pollination Association of Australia president Steve Fuller said accessing a draft of the management plan was difficult, with some sectors of the agriculture industry being left in the dark.

“We actually asked to see a copy of the plan, before it was implemented, because that’s been an issue before when things have been put in place and then we don’t agree with it and we can’t change it,” Mr Fuller said.

“So once again, we’re being controlled, and other industry people are controlling an industry they have no idea about.”

A spokesman from the federal Department of Agriculture said while the revised plan was being implemented, the NSW Department of Primary Industries was acting as the lead agency for the response.

When asked for a copy of the plan, a department spokesperson said response plans were the property of funding parties under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, but details on the strategy would be made available once the plan has been approved.

The response plan will be endorsed by all 16 members of the CCEPP, including the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, Almond Board of Australia, AUSVEG, and Grain Producers Australia.

“Time is being taken to consider and include all appropriate activities in the plan to slow the spread of varroa mite; build industry resilience to the pest; provide management options including Integrated Pest Management recommendations and chemical control options, and support pollination security,” the spokesman said.

The Varroa mite, seen here latched onto a bee pupae, is the most significant pest to honeybees around the world. Picture: Supplied

Since September 15 2023 the number of affected NSW properties has lifted 119 from 277 premises to 396 on December 11, with increases in southwestern Sydney, Central Coast, north of the Hunter, and in the Kempsey region.

The revised response plan will be submitted to the National Management Group for endorsement in early 2024.