Varroa mite: Management not eradication calls from keepers

As the destructive Varroa mite inches towards Victoria, some beekeepers are calling for management of the pest instead of eradication.

Detection of varroa mite at multiple locations in NSW has halted movement of beehives and associated products as the pest inches closer to Victoria.

And the presence of the destructive varroa mite in NSW could put the nation’s food industry at risk, according to one apiarist.

Dividing Creek Farm Honey producer Matt Petersen said the effect of varroa mite on the entire food supply chain could be devastating, and drew parallels between the management of the infestation and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a small industry that impacts a large section of the pie in terms of food production,” Mr Petersen said.

“Honey is one side, but the pollination is the biggest impact on food and general society.”

Mr Petersen, who manages about 300 hives at his South Gippsland property near Wilsons Promontory, said much like the pandemic governing authorities should consider management of the pest as opposed to an eradication method.

“Varroa mite has never been eradicated,” Mr Petersen said.

“Honestly, I think money should be put towards education and subsidies to help industry merge into this new system of keeping bees. It needs to go into a management phase.”

At the time of print, a new detection of varroa mite was confirmed in beehives moved to the Riverina region of NSW from the Kempsey region.

Both the NSW and Victorian state governments are working to implement exclusion zones in a bid to stem the spread of a Varroa mite infestation. Picture: Nick Cubbin

The total number of infested premises was 222.

NSW Department of Primary Industries stated the situation in Kepmsey was “rapidly evolving”.

Agriculture Victoria confirmed as of August 28 varroa mite was not detected in Victoria, as a second NSW emergency zone was extended into Victoria following detection at Balranald.

Victorian townships in the exclusion zone are Lake Powell, Wandown, Bannerton, Happy Valley, Margooya, Tol Tol, Robinvale, Boundary Bend, Euston, Narrung, Piambie, Kenley, and Haysdale.

The zone also prohibit movement of beehives, and include affected livestock products, fodder and fittings established within 25km of the detections.

Mr Petersen said if the mite isn’t managed or eradicated, increased supply chain costs will be passed on to consumers.

“This is the side of it I think the public don’t understand,” Mr Petersen said.

“We have a lot of older guys in the commercial industry probably at the point now that will say varroa mite is here, and I’m closing the door. Pollination costs are going to rise, along with the cost of managing the bees and keeping them healthy.”