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EXPLAINER
EXPLAINER
Why varroa mite is so destructive for agriculture
BY ELSE KENNEDY 
New varroa mite emergency zones have been declared in NSW after the parasite was detected at sites west of Newcastle.
Varroa mite has been found on properties in Jerrys Plains, Denman and Heatherbrae, bringing the total number of infested premises to 38 since June 22.
Varroa mites are tiny red-brown parasites of honey bees. They mainly feed and reproduce on larvae and pupae in the developing brood, causing malformation and weakening of honey bees as well as transmitting numerous viruses.
WHAT IS THE VARROA MITE?
THE EXTENT OF DESTRUCTION
The almond industry could lose crops worth $750 million if orders preventing the movement of NSW beehives aren’t lifted by July 24, the industry peak body says.
Standstill orders put in place by NSW authorities to prevent the spread of varroa mite mean hives cannot be moved  either within NSW or from NSW to Victoria.
Victorian Farmers Federation horticulture president Nathan Free said horticulturalists were “very, very nervous” about the potential spread of varroa mite, as many were reliant on the pollination services beekeepers provided.
Bees are a must-have for most of horticulture in Victoria, all the way from almonds in the north down to apples in the south and vegetables across the state.
Nathan Free
Australian Honey Bee Industry Council acting chief executive Danny Le Feuvre said authorities were working to develop a permit system that would allow beekeepers to transport their hives to almond crops in August.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
All our decisions are around making sure that we don’t take unnecessary risks in terms of varroa spread. If that means that we can’t do pollination because the risk is too great, then that’s what will have to happen.
Danny Le Feuvre
Danny Le Feuvre
Danny Le Feuvre
Varroa mite was first detected in Newcastle on June 22. The NSW Department of Primary Industries have since euthanised 1693 hives at 34 infested premises.
PRODUCED BY BIANCA MASTROIANNI																																								

Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/web-stories/free/the-weekly-times/why-varroa-mite-is-so-destructive-for-agriculture