The Varroa mite, also known as the Varroa destroyer, was detected in Newcastle harbor hives by biosafety surveillance.
The mite is considered the most serious pest for honey bees worldwide and is not currently found in Australia.
The destructive varroa has been devastating to bee colonies around the world. (USGS bee monitoring and inventory laboratory)
NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said the state government is acting quickly to contain a possible outbreak.
“We immediately launched an eradication plan that involved the creation of a biosecurity zone, containing infected hives and euthanasia of bees,” Saunders said.
“Australia is the only large honey-free Varroa mite-producing country and if it has the opportunity to settle here, it could cost the honey industry more than $ 70 million a year.”
The varroa destroyers cling to the bees and feast on them. (USGS bee monitoring and inventory laboratory)
The biosecurity zone extends within a radius of 50 km from the port of Newcastle.
Beekeepers in this area cannot move or manipulate their hives.
They are also instructed to contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries with the location of all their hives.
A radius of 50 km from the port of Newcastle would extend north beyond Nelson Bay, south to Wyong and west to Branxton.
It includes Cessnock, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Tea Gardens.
“Were it not for their diligence in controlling hives and catch boxes at strategic locations in our ports and airports, this threat could have gone unnoticed,” Saunders said.
Varroa destroyers are tiny reddish brown parasites.
Varroa destroyers are seen in bee pupae. (US Department of Agriculture)
Although they are very small, they are identifiable to the naked eye.
The parasite attaches to the body of bees and spreads debilitating viruses such as the deformed wing virus.
Bees often cannot develop and function properly because of varroa destroyers that feed on them.
Varroa destroyers have been widely blamed for large amounts of colony collapse among beehives.
The varroa destroyer was found on bees in the port of Newcastle. (Kate Geraghty)
In addition to providing honey, bees are needed for pollination of many other vital crops.
They include potatoes, onions, apples, grapes, citrus fruits, cotton and coffee.
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