Planning your pollination for 2022 – what you need to know about Varroa mite
The detection of Varroa mite in New South Wales in June 2022 may affect hive availability and pollination services this year. To help ensure you have access to hives and reduce the risk of spreading Varroa mite:
- contact your beekeeper now to discuss your requirements for the upcoming pollination season
- if you keep your own bees, make sure your hives are registered
- hive movement restrictions are in place. Make sure your beekeeper has the appropriate permits in place to move hives in your state. In some cases, you may need to keep a copy of these permits.
In NSW the movement of hives and bee materials and equipment is not permitted in the eradication zone and is restricted in other areas. A permit system is active for beekeepers. Find out more information.
Varroa mite has not been detected in Victoria and restrictions are in place limiting the movement of hives into and within Victoria. Permits are required to move bees, hives and associated equipment into Victoria from NSW. A bee border bubble is in place for the Sunraysia district. View updates related to Victoria.
Restrictions on bees, hives and associated apiary products are also in place in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. Varroa mite is not present in these states.
Find more answers to common questions here:
The current situation
Varroa destructor was detected in sentinel hives near the Port of Newcastle, NSW in June 2022. The NSW Department of Primary Industries is leading a response to eradicate Varroa mite. Eradication and surveillance zones have been established around sites where Varroa mite has been found and infected hives are being euthanised. There are currently 97 known infected premises in NSW (at 16 August 2022).
What is Varroa?
Varroa destructor is a red-brown parasitic mite that survives and reproduces on honey bees. Varroa mite numbers build up over time, eventually killing honey bee colonies and hives if management strategies are not applied. Honey bees are weakened by mites feeding on them as pupae, and adult bees often emerge with deformities. The mites can also transmit several viruses. Varroa mite is an exotic pest to Australia and a high priority pest for many horticultural industries, including apple and pear.
If you see or suspect Varroa mite is present in hives, you must report it immediately by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 (24 hours a day, every day of the year).
