Doubts over varroa mite eradication emerge

Some within the beekeeping industry have cast doubt over the eradication of varroa mite from Australia.

NSW is pushing ahead with the total eradication of varroa mite despite concern within the beekeeping industry that wiping out the deadly bee pest is near impossible.

A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokeswoman said 17,000 hives had now been euthanised in eradication zones, representing 97 per cent of all managed hives in areas near an identified varroa mite infection.

The spokeswoman said eradication efforts had now shifted to feral hives, which were being baited with fipronil.

“NSW DPI has gathered evidence that indicates that Varroa mite is restricted to the eradication emergency red zone and still remains eradicable. All industry and government parties have so far supported that Varroa mite remains technically feasible to eradicate,” the spokeswoman said.

Beekeepers examine hives and take bee samples for testing for varroa mite, near Paterson, on the NSW Central Coast. PICTURE: TWAM/NICK CUBBIN

But a Senate inquiry into the federal and state government’s response to the outbreak first detected in Newcastle in late June has uncovered varying levels of confidence in the prospect of eradication.

NSW Apiarists’ Association president Steve Fuller told the inquiry last month he personally believed eradication was impossible, citing feral bees as the biggest impediment to the goal.

The flowering of horticultural crops leads to large bee swarms at this time of year, making it difficult to manage the bees and keep track of their movement.

“Hopefully, the government has got it right with eradication … The managed population isn’t an issue, because we know where those bees are. We don’t know where the feral hives are,” he said.

Mr Fuller said beekeeper compliance with government orders around the movement of bees from the Newcastle zone was also essential.

“If we are to eradicate this (pest) we must work together, complying with all laws and codes and helping the government do its job. And if people see feral hives, they need to report it. Don’t turn a blind eye because it only takes one mite,” Mr Fuller said.

Australia Honey Bee Industry Association acting chief executive Danny Le Feuvre said eradication was still feasible, but echoed Mr Fuller’s concern about beekeepers “doing the right thing”.

“It will only take one detection unlinked to the Newcastle zone and we’re in trouble, but until that point we’re very much focused on eradication,” he said.