Varroa mite: What will happen to Victorian hives if mite is found

As beekeepers await a national management plan, Victoria’s agriculture department has clarified its approach to the Varroa mite.

Victorian beekeepers will not have their hives forcibly destroyed if the destructive Varroa mite pest makes its way into the state.

But a national management plan for living with the mite is yet to be finalised.

At present, Victoria remains free of Varroa mite, as the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests develops the plan to transition from eradication to management.

An Agriculture Victoria spokesman said the department was working with apiarists and beekeepers on “appropriate control and management approaches”.

It is understood as Varroa is no longer under an eradication response, Victoria will not mandate euthanising of hives if the pest is detected.

Agriculture Victoria will not mandate destruction of hives if Varroa mite is detected in the state. Picture: Supplied.

“If Varroa mite is detected in Victoria prior to national approval of the transition to management plan, a risk-based approach will be implemented that aims to slow the spread of the pest and protect the industry,” the spokesman said.

“Keeping track of the movement of bees and beekeeping equipment through 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.”

Agriculture Victoria will contribute to the development of the national transition plan, which will focus on slowing the spread of Varroa and working to prepare and support industry.

Measures to slow the spread of the mite into Victoria include movement restrictions for honey bees and bee products, and regular surveillance.

A control area order remains in place for Victoria, which means the movement of all bees continues to be regulated through permits.